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‘I’ve grown so much’ — how one student got an insider's look at immigration law

‘I’ve grown so much’ — how one student got an insider's look at immigration law

Michelle Tedford, with reporting by Lucy Waskiewicz ’24 June 16, 2024

When she was 11, CJ Delgado read Enrique’s Journey, the true story of a Honduran boy and his dangerous trek to reunite with his mother in the United States.

CJ Delgado and mentor Ericka Curran stand next to one another, smiling
CJ Delgado and her mentor, Ericka Curran

She’s carried the struggles and triumphs of that young immigrant ever since. Spring semester, Delgado learned her faculty mentor is a lawyer for youth immigrant clients like Enrique.

“It was mind-blowing,” said the junior political science major from Dayton who, at age 2, came to the United States with her family from the Philippines.

Delgado interned with UD School of Law’s Immigration Law Clinic. She and six third-year law students assisted with casework and research to help people navigate the citizenship process under the guidance of Ericka Curran, an associate professor of lawyering skills who has more than 20 years of experience in clinical and experiential law education and specializes in immigration and human rights.

The cases can be complex and emotionally draining, especially those involving gender-based violence or when families are separated from their children.

One particular case came with a huge file. Curran invited Delgado to sit in her office. They walked through the case. Curran shared how this case would be similar to future cases, should Delgado choose to become an immigration lawyer. And Curran also talked about the emotional toll.

Delgado said she appreciated Curran’s personal touch:

“She said to me, ‘You can come talk to me if you ever need time to debrief a case with me on a personal or emotional level.’”

The internship, in partnership with UD’s Women’s and Gender Studies Program, allowed Delgado to study real-life situations that encompass her major coursework, as well as that of her women’s and gender studies minor.

Such hands-on experience is hugely beneficial, Curran said: “The clients we help are real people experiencing challenges, and it can be empowering to use your education to help them achieve their goals.”

And having a mentor by your side to help navigate it all can open up a world of opportunities.

“I feel like I’ve grown so much by knowing her,” Delgado said.

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