Mariam Ghvamichava LLM ’25 Supports Asylum Seekers and Expands International Advocacy Skills

A photo of Mariam Ghvamichava wearing a white shirt and black jacket, standing in front of a red and white flag.

Mariam Ghvamichava LLM ’25 visited shelters in Tijuana, Mexico to conduct client intake interviews for Al Otro Lado, deepening her understanding of the legal and humanitarian challenges faced by asylum seekers.

Mariam Ghvamichava LLM ’25 worked with immigrant rights organization Al Otro Lado for Alternative Spring Break (ASB), helping vulnerable individuals in Tijuana, Mexico, and supporting asylum seekers’ access to the legal system.   

  • Conducted interviews to gather essential information for asylum applications with immigrant rights organization Al Otro Lado in Mexico.   
  • Deepened understanding of the role advocacy plays in the lives of those seeking asylum in the U.S  
  • Strengthened ability to work with people fleeing persecution and violence and reaffirmed commitment to immigration and asylum law.

Mariam Ghvamichava LLM ’25: 

For Alternative Spring Break, I volunteered with the binational immigrant rights organization Al Otro Lado in Tijuana, Mexico, providing legal orientation and advocacy for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. This pro bono trip stands out as one of my most impactful law school experiences. 

My group consisted of seven members—six students and one supervising attorney. Together we visited various shelters and conducted client intake interviews to assess eligibility for legal relief. We also gathered crucial information for asylum applications, ensuring attorneys had the necessary details to strengthen cases. Our group’s diverse linguistic skills helped bridge communication gaps with individuals from different countries. 

As an LLM student, I cherished the opportunity to fully immerse myself in UC Law SF life and contribute alongside my teammates to meaningful pro bono work. I couldn’t have asked for a better team; each person’s dedication to this work was inspiring. 

The experience made clear the immense challenges asylum seekers face, and the critical role legal advocacy plays in their lives. Listening to stories of people fleeing persecution, violence, and unimaginable hardship was deeply moving.  

It was heartbreaking to know that many had strong asylum claims yet remained trapped due to restrictive policies. While we couldn’t change the system overnight, providing legal education and support gave these individuals hope and tangible tools to navigate their journey. 

As someone passionate about human rights and international law, this experience solidified my commitment to immigration and asylum law. Conducting intake interviews and assisting attorneys with asylum applications strengthened my ability to work with vulnerable populations. Navigating complex legal and humanitarian challenges in a high-stakes environment enhanced my advocacy skills.  

One of the most powerful moments was standing before the towering iron structure of the U.S.-Mexico border. My ASB trip was intense, emotional, and at times overwhelming, but it reinforced why I came to law school—to use my legal knowledge to make a difference in people’s lives—and reaffirmed my dedication to making legal protections more accessible to those in need. 

The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.