Eileen Magaña
International Affairs | Immigration Advocacy
Eileen Magaña
International Affairs | Immigration Advocacy
Photograph commissioned and funded by Northern Arizona University.
Photograph taken in Casa Monarca.
I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, where my academic work focused on global politics, institutional power, and political economy. While in Flagstaff, I became particularly interested in foreign relations at the macro-structural level, examining how political theory translates into real-world power dynamics within institutions.
In “How Private Immigration Detention Centers Sustain the Immigration-Industrial Complex,” I examined the economic and political incentives that allow detention systems to expand, arguing that privatization restructures accountability in ways that facilitate institutional abuse. This work was later presented at the World Social Science Association conference. I also examined U.S. influence within Mexico’s long-standing political struggle over oil sovereignty, analyzing how external economic pressure and trade integration shape domestic energy policy and state autonomy.
After graduating, I lived in Monterrey, where I volunteered at Casa Monarca, a migrant shelter supporting individuals in transit or seeking to resettle within Mexico. I also worked alongside law students in a criminal law clinic at Tecnológico de Monterrey, gaining exposure to legal advocacy within the Mexican justice system and learning more about Mexican foreign policy and institutional practice.
I currently work at an immigration law firm in Utah, where I specialize in removal defense and all processes that proceed before the immigration court. I am also well versed in affirmative immigration processes. As part of this work, I help lead “Know Your Rights” presentations for non profits throughout Davis, Weber, and Salt lake counties in Utah, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal rights in today’s political landscape. I am dedicated to making legal assistance more accessible within the immigrant community, ensuring that everyone can understand their rights and have support navigating the immigration system.
I remain deeply committed to advocacy and education. As a former participant in Latinos in Action, I benefited greatly from mentorship and academic guidance. Today, I support the program by coordinating with professionals of color to make themselves available to present to Latinos in Action classes, where they share how their backgrounds shaped their career paths and professional experiences. I also assist students in exploring higher education opportunities, scholarships, and career pathways. In addition, I volunteer with Mujeres Unidas, assisting with donor events and organizing essential clothing donations for women and families.
These experiences inspire me to continue bridging research, law, and community advocacy, working toward more equitable systems and opportunities.