Genevieve Maciel

Attorney

Gen hails from Boston but grew up in Montana. She earned her Bachelor and Master’s Degrees at Wesleyan University. Gen learned Spanish while teaching elementary school in the Teach for America Program. She was also fortunate to spend a summer studying in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala and enjoyed exploring that beautiful country.

While reporting on a pending immigration proposal during a newspaper internship, Gen developed a curiosity about immigration law. Gen then worked as a Paralegal in the San Francisco Law Office of Robert B. Jobe during the exciting and busy era of the 245(i) law.

Gen attended law school at the University of California at Davis. After being admitted to the California State Bar in 2006, Gen represented clients before the immigration court in their applications for Cancellation of Removal, 212 (c) relief, and Asylum.Gen then became the Immigration Program Director at the United Farm Workers Foundation. She developed a legal services program to provide advice and representation to farmworkers and other residents of underserved areas of California and Arizona. Gen and her team delivered regular community education workshops on topics such as DACA and preventing notario fraud. In addition to training and supervising BIA Accredited Representatives, Gen specialized in U Visas, Naturalization, and Adjustment of Status.

Gen then served as an Asylum Officer at the Los Angeles Asylum Office. She was eventually promoted to Senior Asylum Officer and Acting Training Officer. Her favorite assignment at the Asylum Office was having the honor of granting lawful permanent residency to NACARA applicants who had made their home in the United States for so many years. She is now excited to be part of the USILG team and contribute to the firm’s important work. 

Life Motto

• “If you're always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.” -Maya Angelou

Most Interesting Job

• That’s a tie between immigration lawyer and mom.

How would you describe yourself?

• I’m compassionate, detail-oriented, and I love to laugh.

One thing you would like to see or do before you die:

• I would love to have coffee with Bono.

Most Favorite place on Earth:

• Cape Cod, MA

Career choice as a child:

• Author