Podcast Recap: Mary Choate Speaks with Lyn Wineman on Agency for Change
What does it take to stand up for people navigating one of the most complex and personal journeys of their lives? For CLIA Executive Director Mary Choate, the answer is simple: do the right thing—and keep doing it, no matter how hard it gets.
Mary recently joined Lyn Wineman on the Agency for Change podcast to talk about her work at the Center for Legal Immigration Assistance, the challenges facing Nebraska’s immigrant and refugee communities, and why advocacy is more critical than ever.
“I’ve got to feel like [the Nebraska legal system] would be overwhelming for someone who has grown up here in Lincoln, Nebraska. Much less I can’t imagine what it would feel like for somebody who is going through immigration.””
Serving with Compassion and Clarity
Since 2001, CLIA has provided low-cost and pro bono legal services to immigrants and refugees in Lincoln and across Nebraska. When Mary joined the agency in 2017 as a staff attorney, she brought a deep passion for immigration law—and a commitment to helping people navigate systems that are often confusing, overwhelming, and unjust.
Over the years, CLIA has grown in both size and scope, expanding its staff, services, and community education efforts. From green card applications to asylum cases, CLIA’s team walks alongside each client with compassion, clarity, and a fierce belief in human dignity.
Advocacy in Uncertain Times
Mary also spoke candidly about the impact of recent political rhetoric and policies that have fueled fear and misinformation. “People are confused and scared, and the way immigration is portrayed in the media adds to that,” she said. “There’s a lot of noise out there. What our clients need is truth—and someone on their side.”
That’s why CLIA has doubled down on community outreach and advocacy, offering “Know Your Rights” trainings and other resources to help people stay informed and protected so they can stand up for themselves.
Stories That Stay With Us
In the episode, Mary shared a powerful story from one of her first asylum cases—a client who had fled war crimes in Iraq and waited more than six years for a decision. When the approval finally came, Mary recalls this moment as pivotal. “Getting that person asylum after such a long time [makes] my work really meaningful,” she said.
The impact on Mary’s clients is profound. “Sometimes, someone gets their green card and just sobs,” she said. “Because what seems like a small thing to others is life-changing to them.”
Read more about what happened to Mary’s first asylum case.
What’s Next for CLIA
Looking ahead, CLIA is working to expand its staff and capacity—seeking additional attorneys, DOJ-accredited representatives, and a development professional to help build donor support and community partnerships.
“Our workload is increasing and changing,” Mary said. “We’re seeing more people who need help navigating complex and evolving situations—and we’re hoping to grow our team to meet that need.”
How You Can Help
Whether you live in Nebraska or elsewhere, Mary encourages everyone to get involved. “You can donate, volunteer, or simply educate yourself,” she said. “Understanding how immigration law actually works—and getting to know people in your community who’ve gone through it—can change your perspective.”
💡 Listen to the full podcast episode.
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In a time when immigration policy continues to shift and families are left in limbo, one thing remains steady: CLIA’s commitment to justice, compassion, and doing the right thing—one client at a time.
