The Diocese of Owensboro has welcomed Anjuli Rose Alameddine, an Immigrant Justice Corps (IJC) fellow, to serve unaccompanied minors navigating the immigration system in western Kentucky.
Alameddine’s role includes working in state court, immigration court, and with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
A graduate of the University of Kentucky’s J. David Rosenberg College of Law, Alameddine specializes in immigration law and brings a wealth of experience, including roles with Kentucky Refugee Ministries and Church Law, PLLC.
“I went to law school knowing I wanted to be an immigration attorney,” Alameddine said. “My father emigrated to the United States in the early ’80s from Beirut, Lebanon, to attend college and escape the civil war and simultaneous occupation of Beirut. After college, he married my mother — an Irish-Puerto Rican woman whose great-grandparents moved to the island in the mid-1800s from Spain, where rising antisemitism made it difficult for them to practice their Jewish faith.”
During law school, Alameddine interned for Kentucky Refugee Ministries in Lexington.
“Working with refugees and asylum-seekers solidified my desire to work in the non-profit sector,” she said. “I applied for the Immigrant Justice Corps fellowship not knowing where I’d be placed; I was overjoyed when there was a position available in Kentucky. I have lived in Kentucky for 9 years and knew I wanted to serve this community if possible. Working for the Catholic Charities of Owensboro will allow me to help immigrants in Kentucky achieve their own American dream; one I’m proud to share with them.”
The 2-year fellowship is possible through the Acacia Network, and Alameddine’s official role is to serve as an attorney for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Owensboro. She will join Susan Montalvo-Gesser, J.D., Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Owensboro.
“We look forward to Anjuli’s work with our immigrant youth in western Kentucky,” said Susan Montalvo-Gesser, J.D., Director of Catholic Charities.
Alameddine said: “I’m honored to work under one of the most experienced and respected immigration attorneys in Kentucky, Susan Montalvo-Gesser. Under her guidance, I believe I can make a positive difference in the Owensboro community and Kentucky as a whole.”
