Michael Vega

I was born and raised in Athens, Alabama in north Alabama. I was a first-generation college student, and I was the first person in my family to attend and graduate college. I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham majoring in political science and minoring in history. I then attended The James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona located in Tucson, Arizona. I decided to attend law school there because of this school’s immigration law program, and the school’s proximity to the Mexican border which provided many opportunities to gain practical experience in immigration.

While in law school, I tried to obtain as much knowledge and experience in immigration law as possible. I participated in the Community Immigration Law Placement Clinic (CILPC). As part of the clinic, I interviewed asylum seekers, reviewed their cases, and provided legal advice concerning their cases. I also took part in externships with local immigration lawyers in Tucson to gain practical experience in the various areas of immigration law.

Growing up in immigrant family has provided me with a deep knowledge of the circumstance and legal issues commonly experienced by the
immigrant community. This insight fuels a deep desire to help and advocate for the immigrant community.