I'm a high school senior applying for universities. I know I want to become an immigration lawyer in the future, but I don't know where to start. What should be my major in undergraduate school? What majors would help me in law school? How do I become an immigration attorney after undergraduate school?
Everyone has their own way of finding a 'path'.
I had a double major in Education & Psychology with a minor in Computer Science.
As a result I can be sensitive to my client's needs and 'teach' them how to do things the 'right' way. Plus, I do quite a few high tech visas .. .because I can 'speak tech'.
I may be in the minority but I do NOT think that speaking a foreign language is a prerequisite. Although it doesn't hurt ... it sort-of limits you to a particular population.
First of all, best of luck in your endeavor. I can't say that there is any one major you need. I would recommend becoming fluent in at least one other language. Many of your clients will be limited English proficient. I would also encourage you to find work at an office while an undergraduate. Thee is no substitute for experience! Good luck!
I recommend the following courses: Spanish, Logic, World Literature, Geography, Political Science (but not a PC BS variety), World History. After undergraduate school you will have to get enrolled in law school - another 3 years of hard work,
Believe it or not, the highest percentage of applicants from particular disciplines accepted to law school come from undergraduate disciplines like engineering, and some of the lowest percentages come from political science and similar disciplines. Law schools like other schools seek diversity not just in race/gender but in background, including majors. And students who succeed in difficult disciplines like math/science/engineering tend to succeed in any difficult discipline.
It depends on YOU as the student to be accepted to law school, not necessarily taking classes to prepare for your classes. And you should stay current with world politics, history and geography, though not necessarily in formal classes. Reading extra textbooks in disciplines you will need in the future even if not in the classes helps - if you want to be an attorney specializing in Middle Eastern immigration learning history, religion and geopolitics of the Middle East as well as superpower politics is a help. You should check the law schools you think you will qualify for, to see what disciplines are more successful applying there.
And learning a language from at least one country you plan to assist would be a big help as noted.
Just choose the majors you would like without worrying about what will get you into law school. If you like the subjects, you will do better than if you don't and better grades help you get into law school.
History, maybe? Focus on what you like. After college you will need to go to law school. After graduation, you will need to pass a Bar Exam... Once you get licensed in any state of the US, you can practice Immigration. Good luck! Try to become an intern with some firms, so you get a better understanding what it is like.
It is a long road. And there are many potential exit ramps on that road where you could end up in a different profession - your undergraduate major should be the area you are most passionate about so you can get the highest grade possible. We are called counselors but I wish I had had some training in counseling other than having a box of kleenex on my desk. I wish I was really competent in Spanish, Portuguese and Krayol. And I have a sense that those of my colleagues who speak Mandarin are masters of the universe. Start with your passion and see where it takes you.
