Immigration and Civil Rights Feature
When A. Carin Weinrich ’88 reminisces about her time at Scripps College, her favorite spot on campus comes to mind: Browning Hall’s third-floor balcony. From that vantage point, she could take in the scenic views and enjoy a brief respite from busy campus life.
Having a peaceful retreat at Scripps served Weinrich well, as she was an active student. An international relations and economics dual major, Weinrich was involved with the College’s Student Investment Fund, studied abroad in the Scripps Paris program, and competed on several team sports, including soccer, tennis, and water polo—learning how to swim in the process.
“Looking back at my education and involvement at Scripps, the tie was my international interest,” says Weinrich. “I knew this was my future even if it wasn’t refined quite yet.”
Post-Scripps, she began her career with a Los Angeles law firm in the L.A. Law building. After three years at the firm, she was motivated to begin a career in law. Weinrich pursued her juris doctorate, graduating from Gonzaga University. And, she ultimately found her calling as an immigration attorney.
“I learned a lot from my time at Scripps and Gonzaga,” she says. “The most challenging—and rewarding—parts of my work involve helping individuals and families fulfill their dreams in the United States.”
Since 2005, Weinrich has been with Soreff Law. She recently became a partner in Soreff Weinrich Law PLLC, a Seattle-based firm that specializes in immigration law. She focuses on employment- and family-based petitions, as well as U visas, and U.S. citizenship. Seeing the impact in communities across the country under the current presidential administration, Weinrich offers to serve as a resource to Scripps students and families. Weinrich has the following advice for families concerned about their status and/or deportation:
- Review the “Know Your Rights” documents for initial information if confronted by an immigration officer. (English document. Spanish document.)
- Seek advice from an immigration attorney to see what case options exist for your individual circumstances.
- Watch for free immigration clinics in your area, organized by non-profit immigrant rights organizations and/or immigration attorneys.
Weinrich also recommends getting involved in community organizing that support immigrants. “There are so many organizations doing great things in communities across the country,” she says. “Contact your local and state senators, and encourage them to support immigration and civil rights reform.”
Scripps College seeks support from alumnae, families, and friends. Gifts to the Immigration and Civil Rights Emergency Fund allow students to seek legal counsel and pay for court fees. To make a gift today, click here.
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