Catholic Charities Center for Immigration Legal & Support Services (CCCILSS) provides high quality multi-year legal services and case management that allows immigrants to pursue their legal rights that will enable them to find a legal path forward to ensure their participation in the social, civic, and economic fabric of our community. Our clients are resilient and determined to build a better life and contribute positively to our community.
We were privileged to have the opportunity to speak with Ghazaleh Fotoohi Ghazvini, our legal intern in the Immigration department about her experience working with Catholic Charities San Francisco.
Check out our interview with Ghazaleh below and learn more about the Center for Immigration Legal & Support Services here.
Can you talk a little about yourself, and what made you want to intern at Catholic Charities?
Having closely witnessed the complexities of the immigration process, I knew that immigration law was an area where I could meaningfully support people during one of the most difficult and pivotal times in their lives. I was introduced to Catholic Charities by the Director of the Immigration Law Clinic at University of San Francisco School of Law, Professor Hing, and I quickly knew that it would be an invaluable opportunity.
Can you talk about the kind of work you did in the immigration department? What did the experience working at CCSF mean to you?
From the beginning of my internship with the Immigration Legal and Support Services team, I was immersed in nearly every aspect of removal defense. I worked on a range of cases, including drafting motions, declarations, pre-hearing briefs, preparing clients for asylum hearings, and observing proceedings in court. What stood out most to me was the unwavering dedication to clients shown by the supervising attorney, Luis Rosario Rodriguez, and his sensitivity to their often-traumatic circumstances. I also appreciated how the entire team made sure I was treated as a full contributing member of the practice, sharing resources and providing regular feedback to strengthen my skills.
Can you talk about any experiences while working at Catholic Charities that had an impact on you?
One particularly memorable moment was when an unfavorable decision was issued just before we were about to file a client’s brief. Although disappointing, Luis invited me to brainstorm solutions and then carefully went through my draft line by line so we could refine our arguments and present the strongest case possible. That experience taught me how to handle the difficult parts of the practice with both care and persistence.
What do you wish more people knew about the individuals that CCSF Immigration serves?
The immigration team at Catholic Charities serves some of the most vulnerable members of society, providing hope and stability to communities across San Francisco. Many clients have endured extraordinary hardships in their home countries, leaving behind their entire lives in pursuit of dignity, safety, and opportunity. By helping them gain the ability to live, work, and contribute to their communities, the team not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens the fabric of the city and the country. I am deeply grateful to have been part of that mission.
What’s next for you?
As I move into my second year at USF Law, I am focused on building on the foundation I gained during my first year and through my internship. I hope to continue contributing to Catholic Charities’ mission while also broadening my legal education through coursework, clinics, and other experiential opportunities. My goal is to keep developing the skills, perspective, and resilience necessary to serve clients effectively and thoughtfully, wherever my legal career leads.
