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Karolina
Student
Alexandria, Virginia
1
Question
Updated
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What college would you recommand for someone who wants to be a immigration lawyer?
Im a high school student thinking about colleges and i have no idea which colleges would be good to become a immigration lawyer, as well as what majors would be good?
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Karolina!
Alright so Doc and the other mentors already gave some brilliant advice on choosing a major and law school, so you’re off to a great start. They covered the key points—there’s no single required major for law school, but fields like Political Science, History, Sociology, and Criminal Justice can give you a strong foundation. They also highlighted some solid colleges in Virginia and top law schools with strong immigration law programs.
Now, here are a few more things to think about:
1. Look for colleges with strong pre-law advising – Some schools offer dedicated pre-law advisors who can help with course selection, LSAT prep, and law school applications. This can be a huge advantage.
2. Gain experience early – Intern or volunteer at organizations that deal with immigration issues, like legal aid groups or nonprofits. This will not only give you hands-on experience but also strengthen your law school application
3. Develop language skills – Immigration law often involves working with people from diverse backgrounds. Learning a second language, especially Spanish or another widely spoken language, can make you a stronger candidate in this field.
4. Consider universities with strong international law programs – Schools with a focus on international studies, diplomacy, or human rights can provide additional relevant coursework and networking opportunities.
5. Get involved in debate or mock trial programs – These activities help sharpen your argumentation, public speaking, and critical thinking skills, all of which are essential for a legal career.
Karolina, Law is a long journey, but if you’re passionate about immigration law, these steps will help you build a strong foundation. Best of luck!
Start connecting with immigration lawyers now. Reach out to professionals through LinkedIn, local law firms, or bar association events. Ask about their career paths, what they wish they had known earlier, and any advice they have for aspiring immigration lawyers. Shadowing a lawyer or even doing volunteer work at an immigration law nonprofit can give you real-world insight into the field before you even start college.
Research and follow immigration law cases and policies. Start reading about real immigration cases, court rulings, and policy changes. Websites like the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and legal blogs can help you stay informed. Understanding current immigration issues will not only prepare you for law school but also help you develop a strong perspective on the field early on.
Join or start a high school club focused on law, debate, or human rights. If your school has a debate team, Model UN, or a pre-law club, get involved to build critical thinking and public speaking skills. If no such club exists, consider starting one focused on immigration law or social justice. This will show leadership, initiative, and a genuine interest in the field—something that looks great on college and law school applications.
To just briefly say Karolina, choosing a college for immigration law, focus on schools with strong pre-law programs, experienced advisors, and opportunities for internships in immigration-related fields. While there’s no required major, Political Science, Sociology, or Criminal Justice can provide a solid foundation. Also, consider universities with strong international law programs or language studies to strengthen your skill set. The mentors gave great advice—there’s no single path to becoming an immigration lawyer, but picking a major that builds critical thinking, writing, and research skills is key. Top law schools with immigration law clinics can be valuable later, but for now, gaining experience through internships, networking with immigration lawyers, and staying informed on immigration policies will set you up for success.
If you're in Alexandria, Virginia, a great local option for preparing to become an immigration lawyer is George Mason University (GMU). Why GMU? ✔ Close to D.C. – You'll have access to immigration law firms, government agencies, and nonprofits for internships and networking. ✔ Strong Pre-Law Programs – GMU offers excellent Political Science, Government, and Criminal Justice programs, which build the skills law schools look for. ✔ Scalia Law School – If you decide to stay at GMU for law school, the Antonin Scalia Law School is highly respected and offers courses in immigration law. ✔ Affordable for Virginia Residents – Compared to private universities, GMU provides a strong education with lower tuition for in-state students. If you're open to other Virginia schools, the University of Virginia (UVA) and William & Mary also have strong pre-law programs. But if you want to stay close to key immigration law opportunities in D.C., GMU is an excellent choice!
Alright so Doc and the other mentors already gave some brilliant advice on choosing a major and law school, so you’re off to a great start. They covered the key points—there’s no single required major for law school, but fields like Political Science, History, Sociology, and Criminal Justice can give you a strong foundation. They also highlighted some solid colleges in Virginia and top law schools with strong immigration law programs.
Now, here are a few more things to think about:
1. Look for colleges with strong pre-law advising – Some schools offer dedicated pre-law advisors who can help with course selection, LSAT prep, and law school applications. This can be a huge advantage.
2. Gain experience early – Intern or volunteer at organizations that deal with immigration issues, like legal aid groups or nonprofits. This will not only give you hands-on experience but also strengthen your law school application
3. Develop language skills – Immigration law often involves working with people from diverse backgrounds. Learning a second language, especially Spanish or another widely spoken language, can make you a stronger candidate in this field.
4. Consider universities with strong international law programs – Schools with a focus on international studies, diplomacy, or human rights can provide additional relevant coursework and networking opportunities.
5. Get involved in debate or mock trial programs – These activities help sharpen your argumentation, public speaking, and critical thinking skills, all of which are essential for a legal career.
Karolina, Law is a long journey, but if you’re passionate about immigration law, these steps will help you build a strong foundation. Best of luck!
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Georgetown University would be an incredible choice, especially since you're already in Virginia. With its highly ranked law program and a strong focus on immigration law, you'd be in the perfect place to build your career. Their Immigration Law and Policy Clinic gives hands-on experience, working directly on real cases, and being in Washington, D.C., you’ll have direct access to government agencies, nonprofits, and top immigration law firms. Plus, Georgetown’s pre-law and international relations programs are some of the best, setting you up with the right foundation before law school.
Dr H
The networking opportunities alone could open doors you wouldn’t find anywhere else. If you’re serious about immigration law and want to stay close to home while maximizing your opportunities, Georgetown is a fantastic option, I would say! 🤔
Dr H
Oh and just wanna say, If you're looking for a college rather than a university, consider William & Mary in Virginia. It has a strong pre-law program, excellent political science and international relations courses, and great connections to law schools, including Georgetown.
Dr H
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Dreaming of being a immigration lawyer Karolina. It’s a great profession. However, unlike becoming an engineer or doctor, there isn’t one specific major you need to do in college to become a lawyer. Some schools have a “pre-law” track, but you can major in almost anything before going to law school. Popular majors for hopeful lawyers include:
• HISTORY
• POLITICAL SCIENCE
• CRIMINAL JUSTICE
• SOCIOLOGY
Since there is no one track for lawyers in college, there is no set list of classes you need to take in high school. That being said, there are some classes that you should consider taking that will not only look good to colleges but give you important skills that will help you on your path to being a lawyer.
• ENGLISH
• HISTORY
• POLITICAL SCIENCE
• GOVERNMENT
• SOCIOLOGY
• PHILOSOPHY
• PSYCHOLOGY
These fields will help you understand how laws are formed, societal structures, and human behavior, which are crucial aspects of legal practice.
TOP 5 UNIVERSITIES IN VIRGINIA
These schools encourage interested students to attend these programs to build their foundational knowledge in the law. While these pre law schools may be right for some students, you certainly do not need to attend a specific pre law major in order to be accepted into law school. When it comes to the best colleges in Virginia, there are several institutions that consistently rank high in terms of academic excellence, student satisfaction, and career prospects. Among them are:
1️⃣ UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
The University of Virginia is a public school founded by Thomas Jefferson and is known as one of the best colleges in the state. UVA consistently ranks among the top five best public national universities. This Virginia university covers 100% of the student body's financial need. The graduation rate is 94.7%, above the national average.
2️⃣ WILLIAM & MARY
William & Mary is a public research university with arts & sciences programs and four graduate/professional schools in business, education, law, and marine science. 80% of the undergraduate student body participates in research mentored by faculty.
3️⃣ VIRGINIA TECH
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university that offers 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a research portfolio of over $556 million. Virginia Tech ranks in the top 5% of universities in the U.S. for research, among one of two universities in Virginia in the top 50. The graduation rate is 86%.
4️⃣ GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
George Mason University is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 89%. GMU was the first university in the nation to offer doctoral programs in conflict resolution, information technology, bioinformatics, and computational social science, and it offers 132 degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional levels. This school has one of the top criminal justice programs among colleges and universities nationwide. The graduation rate is 70%.
5️⃣ VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH COLLEGE
With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, Virginia Commonwealth University offers more than 200 degree programs. Nearly one-third of the student body is Pell-eligible, and the majority of the student body receives financial aid. Virginia Commonwealth University is one of the best colleges in Virginia for nursing and criminal justice and nationally ranks as one of the most innovative schools. The graduation rate is 66%
CONCLUSION
Anyone of the above mentioned pre-law colleges can be beneficial because it provides focused coursework and guidance specifically designed to prepare students for law school, helping them develop the critical analytical skills, strong writing abilities, and legal reasoning necessary to succeed in a competitive legal environment, while also potentially gaining access to dedicated pre-law advisors and networking opportunities with law school admissions professionals.
Hope this was helpful Karolina
• HISTORY
• POLITICAL SCIENCE
• CRIMINAL JUSTICE
• SOCIOLOGY
Since there is no one track for lawyers in college, there is no set list of classes you need to take in high school. That being said, there are some classes that you should consider taking that will not only look good to colleges but give you important skills that will help you on your path to being a lawyer.
• ENGLISH
• HISTORY
• POLITICAL SCIENCE
• GOVERNMENT
• SOCIOLOGY
• PHILOSOPHY
• PSYCHOLOGY
These fields will help you understand how laws are formed, societal structures, and human behavior, which are crucial aspects of legal practice.
TOP 5 UNIVERSITIES IN VIRGINIA
These schools encourage interested students to attend these programs to build their foundational knowledge in the law. While these pre law schools may be right for some students, you certainly do not need to attend a specific pre law major in order to be accepted into law school. When it comes to the best colleges in Virginia, there are several institutions that consistently rank high in terms of academic excellence, student satisfaction, and career prospects. Among them are:
1️⃣ UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
The University of Virginia is a public school founded by Thomas Jefferson and is known as one of the best colleges in the state. UVA consistently ranks among the top five best public national universities. This Virginia university covers 100% of the student body's financial need. The graduation rate is 94.7%, above the national average.
2️⃣ WILLIAM & MARY
William & Mary is a public research university with arts & sciences programs and four graduate/professional schools in business, education, law, and marine science. 80% of the undergraduate student body participates in research mentored by faculty.
3️⃣ VIRGINIA TECH
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university that offers 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a research portfolio of over $556 million. Virginia Tech ranks in the top 5% of universities in the U.S. for research, among one of two universities in Virginia in the top 50. The graduation rate is 86%.
4️⃣ GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
George Mason University is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 89%. GMU was the first university in the nation to offer doctoral programs in conflict resolution, information technology, bioinformatics, and computational social science, and it offers 132 degree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional levels. This school has one of the top criminal justice programs among colleges and universities nationwide. The graduation rate is 70%.
5️⃣ VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH COLLEGE
With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, Virginia Commonwealth University offers more than 200 degree programs. Nearly one-third of the student body is Pell-eligible, and the majority of the student body receives financial aid. Virginia Commonwealth University is one of the best colleges in Virginia for nursing and criminal justice and nationally ranks as one of the most innovative schools. The graduation rate is 66%
CONCLUSION
Anyone of the above mentioned pre-law colleges can be beneficial because it provides focused coursework and guidance specifically designed to prepare students for law school, helping them develop the critical analytical skills, strong writing abilities, and legal reasoning necessary to succeed in a competitive legal environment, while also potentially gaining access to dedicated pre-law advisors and networking opportunities with law school admissions professionals.
Hope this was helpful Karolina
Thank You Dr. H. It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for ourselves and others.
Doc Frick
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
College selection for a career in immigration law involves a well-rounded education that develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. There is no single "pre-law" major, but some majors can provide a strong foundation, such as Political Science, History, English, Sociology, Criminal Justice, and International Relations. Prioritize courses that emphasize critical thinking, analysis, effective communication, and research and argumentation.
Top law schools, such as Harvard Law School, Georgetown Law Center, UC Berkeley School of Law, NYU School of Law, and Yale Law School, offer immigration law programs with specialized clinics, faculty expertise, and strong networks for internships and job opportunities. Look for law schools with strong clinical programs that allow you to gain practical experience representing clients in real immigration cases.
Key advice for undergraduates is to choose a major that genuinely interests you, focus on developing strong academic skills, get involved in extracurricular activities, research law schools thoroughly, prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work in immigration-related organizations. Building your skills in language and cultural awareness is also crucial in immigration law. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success in your pursuit of a career in immigration law.
Top law schools, such as Harvard Law School, Georgetown Law Center, UC Berkeley School of Law, NYU School of Law, and Yale Law School, offer immigration law programs with specialized clinics, faculty expertise, and strong networks for internships and job opportunities. Look for law schools with strong clinical programs that allow you to gain practical experience representing clients in real immigration cases.
Key advice for undergraduates is to choose a major that genuinely interests you, focus on developing strong academic skills, get involved in extracurricular activities, research law schools thoroughly, prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work in immigration-related organizations. Building your skills in language and cultural awareness is also crucial in immigration law. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of success in your pursuit of a career in immigration law.
Montserrat Rocha
Intern
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Montserrat’s Answer
university of texas austin