Rocio Velazquez Kato

Rocio Velazquez Kato is the Immigration Policy Analyst at the Latino Policy Forum. She is a licensed attorney with a background in immigration law. Rocio previously worked at the DePaul Legal Clinic and participated in the Clinic’s Asylum and Immigration Clinic during law school. Rocio volunteered with ProBAR’s South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation project in Harlingen, Texas, helping unaccompanied minors. She also participated in the Cook County Circuit Court Domestic Violence Courthouse Project, assisting individuals seeking emergency orders of protection. Prior to law school, Rocio was the first Latina president of the Rotaract Club of Chicago, a service organization for young professionals under the sponsorship of the world’s founding Rotary club, Rotary One. 

As the Immigration Policy Analyst, Rocio facilitates the involvement of the Form’s immigration allies in public decision making and intentional advocacy on immigration-related issues at the local, state, and federal levels. Rocio also provides workshops for school administrators, students, and parents, regarding immigration policy, its impact on academic success, mental health, and how to ensure all in Illinois succeed, regardless of their place of birth.

Rocio holds a J.D. and a Master’s Degree in International Public Service from DePaul University.