Mikhayla first felt drawn to immigration law after a devastating immigration raid occurred near her college campus in April of 2018. At the time, the raid in Morristown, TN was the largest in ten years. After witnessing the devastating effects of the raid on her local community, she was moved to do what she could to help those who were vulnerable to the United States immigration system. In May of that year, Mikhayla graduated with a degree in Psychology and moved to the District of Columbia to attend law school at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. During her time at CUA, in addition to being the President of the Immigration and Refugee Interest Society, she performed almost four hundred hours of pro bono, providing free legal services to immigrants and organizations that served them. In recognition of her dedication to those who could not afford legal services, at her graduation she was awarded the Michael F. Curtin Pro Bono Award for the Class of 2021.

She currently assists permanent residents, including those who have criminal histories or prior immigration complications, with applying for Naturalization, the final step in the immigration process. While many immigrants are understandably nervous about making this final step towards citizenship, Mikhayla’s first priority is to help her clients feel confident and informed about each step of the process. In addition to zealous advocacy on behalf of her clients, she believes that the most important part of her approach to practicing law is compassionate, trauma-informed legal services. Regardless of a person’s background or path, Mikhayla is committed to helping all of her clients become citizens, so that they can achieve the American dream for themselves.