Cecilia Esterline
Washington, DC
esterline.cecilia@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/ceciliaesterline
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Niskanen Center
Immigration Research Analyst
Washington, DC, June 2022-Present
- Conduct research related to labor and employment-based immigration, international students, and economic impacts
- Lead data initiatives for the immigration team, producing proprietary research for Hill and public distribution
- Liaise with reporters and Congressional staff to provide expertise, analysis, and innovative policy proposals
- Supervise interns by reviewing drafts, providing content ideas or assignments, and interviewing intern candidates
- Publications include, among others: The Case for Updating Schedule A, Shortfalls of the Domestic Labor Supply and How Immigrants Can Help, Labor Shortages Are Damaging Americans’ Quality of Immigrants Can Help.
- Citations include, among others: CNBC, Bloomberg Law, the Miami Herald, and the World Economic Forum
Migration Policy Institute
Research Intern, U.S. Immigration Policy Program
Washington, DC, January 2022-May 2022
- Conducted research related to labor and employment-based immigration, border management, and asylum procedures
- Investigated H-1B usage within the technology industry, tracking trends in quantity, demographics, and approvals
- Produced rapid response topic and policy briefs in response to press inquiries, legislative action, and client interest
- Utilized Excel and STATA to analyze quantitative data and design visuals for both internal and external circulation
- Co-authored publications: Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States and Korean Immigrants in the United States
Bipartisan Policy Center
Immigration and Cross Border Policy Intern
Washington, DC, September 2021-November 2021
- Monitored immigration and border policy legislative activity and news, providing daily updates to policy team
- Conducted research and drafted a report on immigrant entrepreneurship including pathways, policies, and outcomes
- Drafted literature reviews, policy memos, and blog posts for internal and external circulation and advising
- Tracked monthly releases by Customs and Border Protection to analyze trends in border apprehension statistics
- Publication: Immigration and the Supply Chain
D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Bilingual Intake Specialist
Washington, DC, May 2019-September 2021
- Managed full representation program, matching over 300 individual clients with external pro bono counsel
- Coordinated a quarterly immigration brief advice clinic, including driving the transition to virtual during covid-19
- Developed new programmatic operational procedures, aiming to increase efficiency, accuracy, and client service
- Conducted over 700 confidential and sensitive telephone interviews with individuals and small business owners
- Supervised 10-15 volunteers each month at a walk-in legal clinic, serving over 1,500 customers per year
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
Assistant Paralegal (Business Immigration)
Washington, DC, January 2018-May 2019
- Led a team of 7 assistant paralegals to prepare L-1 visa petitions for high-volume technological consulting client
- Developed new account-wide processes and procedures for individual representation of L-2 EAD applicants
- Contributed to preparation and review of L-1A, L-1B, and H-1B petitions, PERM applications, and RFE responses
- Conducted final quality control checks after attorney review to identify and correct any outstanding petition errors
- Trained new team members in client communication protocol, form preparation, and support letter drafting
Additional prior experience in research, immigrant social and legal services, legislative advocacy, and refugee resettlement.
EDUCATION
| Master of Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK International Migration and Public Policy | 2022 |
| MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Development Policy from Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 2020 |
| Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond, Richmond, VA
International Studies: World Politics and Diplomacy and Latin American, Latino, and Iberian Studies |
2017 |
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Languages: Full Professional & Working Proficiency in Spanish, Conversational French
Software Proficiencies: Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher, Outlook, Google Drive, WordPress, Salesforce, ExactTarget, CQRC Engage, Lotus Notes, Cerenade, LawLogix, LegalServer, Canva; Basic R and STATA