Anna Gallagher Email & Phone Number

Raised by Irish Catholic immigrants, my life’s calling is to ensure our country keeps its doors and arms open to people in search of a safe place to live. As a Catholic, I believe that human dignity, economic security, and justice are rights for all people. In this imperfect world, we must challenge ourselves—beyond our limits—to protect and extend these rights to all.I have practiced immigration and refugee law for more than three decades, working in the United States, Central America and Europe, in private practice, advocacy, and academia. In 1992, I moved to Guatemala to help found the Center for Human Rights Legal Action (Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos, known as CALDH), during this country’s civil war. Our international nonprofit advocated for the rights of internally displaced persons and returned refugees in Guatemala. Throughout my career, I frequently draw upon this experience, and remain inspired by the resilience of all humans. Back in the U.S., I co-founded the International Coalition on the Detention of Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants and worked as a shareholder and head of litigation for Maggio, Kattar, Nahajzer + Alexander; consultant to European refugee and migration organizations; and in teaching, advocacy, or other positions with Jesuit Refugee Service; University of Deusto, Pedro Arrupe Institute of Human Rights; Georgetown University Law Center, Center for Applied Legal Studies; American Immigration Law Foundation; and American University, Washington College of Law.Born in Philadelphia, I am the daughter of Irish immigrants and a dual Irish/American citizen. I earned my juris doctorate from the Antioch School of Law, Masters in Advocacy from Georgetown University Law Center, and bachelor’s from Temple University.