Name: Amy Gracia
Class Year: 2026
Independent Major: Migration Studies
Hometown: Houston, TX
Internship Organization: Kids in Need of Defense (Houston Office)
Internship Title: Undergraduate Legal Intern
Location: Houston, TX
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
This summer at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) has been such an eye-opening experience. I’ve been working primarily in the Release Program, where I get to interview kids—many of them unaccompanied migrants or refugees—and assess if they qualify for different legal protections like Asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ), or visas like U-Visa or T-Visa. These interviews are pretty intense, lasting anywhere from 2-3 hours. The goal is to dig into their stories to make sure we capture everything that could help them stay safe in the U.S. Besides that, I’ve been helping out with case management tasks like preparing the paperwork for USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), court exhibits, and motions. I’ve also sat in on in-state and federal court hearings with attorneys, which has been super insightful. The experience is really hands-on. One of the more fast-paced parts of the internship has been working at the detention centers. I would have to interview 10-20 kids in much shorter timeframes, like 10-20 minutes each. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s been so rewarding to help these kids and advocate for them, even under tough circumstances.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied for this internship because immigration law has always been close to my heart, especially as a first-generation Mexican American. The stories of unaccompanied children fleeing hardship resonate deeply with me, as they remind me of my own family's journey to the U.S. KIND’s mission—to provide not only legal representation but also emotional and holistic support to these kids—immediately felt like the perfect fit for my values and career goals. I didn’t just want to read about these issues in a classroom; I wanted to be in the thick of it, making a real impact on the front lines. Furthermore, as part of my Liman Undergraduate Summer Fellowship Program with Yale Law School in Public Interest Law, I was required to work with a nonprofit organization. But working at KIND wasn’t just about fulfilling a requirement—it was the chance to immerse myself in work that I care deeply about, and that aligns with my personal and professional aspirations in an area of law that I deeply care about.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
In all honesty my favorite part of my job this summer has been building those real connections with the kids and with the attorneys. The interviews with the kids, while emotionally tough at times, were some of the most rewarding moments. Even if it’s just for a few hours, I felt like I was able to give them a safe space to share their story, and I hope that helped them feel less alone in the process. On top of that, working at the Houston KIND office has been amazing—it’s so diverse, and most of the attorneys are women of color. I actually interviewed a few of them, and their stories really inspired me. They’ve all faced so many challenges breaking into public interest law, and hearing how they push through those barriers gave me a lot of motivation. Plus, KIND is one of those places where they genuinely care about your well-being. It’s not just about doing the work, but also making sure everyone’s taking care of themselves. That’s been refreshing, and it made me realize how important that balance is when pursuing such an intense career path.
What is most rewarding about your internship?
The most rewarding part has been knowing that the work we’re doing really makes a difference in these kids’ lives. These are kids who have gone through so much, and KIND is giving them a real chance at safety and a future. Knowing that my interviews, case management, and everything else I’m doing is helping them get that chance is an amazing feeling. It’s not just about paperwork or legalities—it’s about helping change someone’s entire life trajectory. On top of that, being part of a supportive, caring team at KIND has made it all the more worthwhile. The fact that they prioritize both the clients and the well-being of their staff has shown me that it’s possible to do hard, meaningful work without completely burning out. This internship has really reinforced that this is the kind of work I want to do in the long run, and I’m leaving this experience more committed than ever to immigration law.
Career & Civic Engagement Center