University of Richmond law student researches Guatemalan adoption policies for international research project
December 2, 2008
Alejandra Zapatero, a second-year University of Richmond law student from Hampton, Va., recently traveled to Guatemala City to study the country's new international adoption regulations.
Expanding on her interest in European and Latin American cultures, Zapatero teamed up with Karen Rotabi, assistant professor of social work at Virginia Commonwealth University, to research the subject. A grant from the C. Weinstein Grants for Summer International Projects and Study provided funds for her to travel to Guatemala.
Zapatero verified the English translation of new adoption legislation for accuracy, researched similar legislation using the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption as a guide, and interviewed and translated information from the U.S. consulate general, National Council for Adoption director, the Casa Alianza director, and prominent Guatemalan officials. Zapatero and Rotabi plan to publish their research.
Zapatero plans to pursue a career in international and immigration law.