Layli Miller-Muro

Layli Miller-Muro is an American attorney and the founder of the Tahirih Justice Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting immigrant women and girls seeking justice in the United States from gender-based violence. Born in 1972, Miller-Muro has dedicated her career to advocating for the rights of women and girls facing violence and persecution.

Early Life and Education

Layli Miller-Muro was born to an American mother and an Iranian father, which influenced her interest in cross-cultural issues and human rights from an early age. She pursued her undergraduate education at Agnes Scott College, where she earned a degree in International Relations. Miller-Muro then went on to receive her Juris Doctor from the American University Washington College of Law, further solidifying her commitment to human rights and legal advocacy.

Career

Miller-Muro's career in human rights advocacy was significantly shaped by her involvement in a landmark case early in her career. In 1996, she represented Fauziya Kassindja, a young woman from Togo who sought asylum in the United States to escape a forced marriage and female genital mutilation. The case, Matter of Kasinga, became a precedent in United States immigration law by establishing gender-based persecution as grounds for asylum. This victory not only saved Kassindja's life but also set a legal precedent that has since been used to protect the rights of countless other women and girls.

Following this case, Miller-Muro founded the Tahirih Justice Center in 1997, naming it after Tahirih, a 19th-century Persian poet and theologian who was persecuted for her beliefs and advocacy for women's rights. The center provides legal representation and advocacy for women and girls fleeing violence such as domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and female genital mutilation. Under Miller-Muro's leadership, the Tahirih Justice Center has grown significantly, expanding its services and impact across the United States.

Publications and Media

Miller-Muro has co-authored a book with Fauziya Kassindja titled "Do They Hear You When You Cry?" which chronicles Kassindja's ordeal and their legal battle for asylum. She has also written numerous articles and op-eds on issues related to immigration, gender-based violence, and human rights, contributing to the discourse on these critical issues.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Layli Miller-Muro has received numerous awards and recognitions for her advocacy and leadership. These accolades reflect her significant contributions to the field of human rights and her impact on the lives of women and girls seeking justice and protection in the United States.

Personal Life

Miller-Muro is married and has three children. She often speaks about how her personal experiences as a mother and as the daughter of an immigrant have influenced her work and commitment to human rights.

Legacy and Impact

Layli Miller-Muro's work has had a profound impact on the field of human rights, particularly in the areas of gender-based violence and immigration law. Her efforts have not only provided direct assistance to thousands of women and girls but have also contributed to broader legal and policy changes that protect vulnerable populations. Miller-Muro's legacy is evident in the ongoing success of the Tahirih Justice Center and in the lives of those it has touched.