Documentary
United States of America
The Undocumented Lawyer is a 2020 American documentary film directed by Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci. The film follows the story of Lizbeth Mateo, an undocumented immigrant who became a lawyer and fought for the rights of other undocumented immigrants in the United States. The film documents her journey from her childhood in Oaxaca, Mexico to her law studies at Santa Clara University.
Despite her lack of legal status, Lizbeth passed the California bar exam in 2016. However, her immigration status prevented her from being eligible for a law license. After years of activism and advocacy, Lizbeth was finally granted a law license in 2018, becoming the first undocumented immigrant to receive a law license in California.
The film shows Lizbeth's legal work as an advocate for the rights of undocumented immigrants, as well as her personal struggles as an undocumented immigrant in the United States. It also highlights the movement for immigration reform and the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in accessing legal representation.
The Undocumented Lawyer is an inspiring story of one woman's determination to overcome the obstacles faced by undocumented immigrants in the United States. The film sheds light on the complexities of the immigration system and the importance of advocating for the rights of undocumented immigrants. It premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2020 and was released on Netflix later that year.
