Meet the Class: Marina Rioux, ’26
Advocate for the Rights and Well-Being of Immigrant Children
Hailing from Henniker, New Hampshire, Marina Rioux, ’26, obtained her bachelor’s degree in International Studies & Romance Languages & Literatures at the University of Chicago. After graduating, she studied Swahili in Tanzania for a year before coming back to the United States and working with organizations that advocate for the rights and well-being of immigrant children. She hopes to use her law degree to have an impact on immigration policy.
Please describe your background and professional path.
I began volunteering in refugee resettlement when I was in high school, and the experience inspired me to pursue a career advocating for those facing forced migration. After majoring in International Studies and Romance Languages & Literatures (with a focus on Spanish literature), I participated in the Boren Scholarship’s African Flagship Languages Initiative to study Swahili in Tanzania for a year. Upon my return to the United States, I moved to New York City and entered the field of law, working with various organizations that advocate for the rights and well-being of unaccompanied immigrant children and families who have experienced forced migration.
What motivates your decision to go to law school?
Through my work in immigration and family law, I saw firsthand the unique ways in which attorneys can support clients facing life changing legal cases. An attorney’s ability to understand and fill out complex legal documents can be the difference between accessing protection and having to return to a dangerous situation, especially for those who might have limited educational experience or English proficiency. I have also seen the importance of educating people about their rights in order to ensure that they are empowered to advocate for themselves in situations in which their rights might be violated. Although the law can feel distant and confusing to many, attorneys can be the key to helping individuals access the vital protection that it can provide to their safety and well-being.
Why did you select the University of Chicago Law School?
Having attended the University of Chicago as an undergraduate, I feel that UChicago offers an unparalleled academic experience. I loved being in an environment in which both professors and students were truly excited about learning and sharing knowledge, and I grew so much academically and personally through my time here. I look forward to continuing to learn and grow through the Law School’s discussion-based classes, interdisciplinary focus, and student organizations.
What do you plan to do with your legal education?
I hope to use my legal education to continue to empower and advocate for communities facing forced migration. Eventually, I hope to bring the knowledge that I have gained from my direct service work to a position in which I can shape a more just immigration policy and create a more welcoming environment for those forced to leave their home countries.
What are you most looking forward to about being a law student?
I am looking forward to being back in an academic environment and learning from my professors and my peers!
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love trying new foods and visiting new places! When I was an undergrad, I started working toward my goal of visiting all seventy-seven Chicago neighborhoods and hope to finish it up while I’m in law school. During lockdown, I also became very interested in plants and now have twenty of them in my tiny studio apartment!
What is a “fun fact” about you?
I’ve run two half marathons, one of which was on Mount Kilimanjaro!