Saint Judy 2019

Attorney Judy Wood, played by Michelle Monaghan, relocates from New Mexico to Los Angeles with her son, Alex, portrayed by Gabriel Bateman, in order to be closer to her ex-husband, as they share joint custody. Transitioning from her previous role as a defense lawyer, Judy embarks on a new journey working at an immigration law office. Shortly after she begins this new chapter, she decides to take on the case of Asefa Ashwari, a woman from Afghanistan seeking asylum. However, her boss, Ray Hernandez, played by Alfred Molina, is indifferent to Asefa’s plight and simply hands Judy a form that would allow the woman two months to settle her affairs to return home.

In her quest to assist Asefa, Judy drives to the ICE detention center where Asefa is held. Unfortunately, during their first meeting, Asefa is so heavily medicated that she cannot communicate effectively. In a determined effort to get through to her client, Judy appeals to the warden to have Asefa’s medication reduced, but she finds little support from Ray, who remains apathetic to the woman’s circumstances.

As Judy delves deeper into Asefa’s case, she discovers that the woman fled Afghanistan to escape persecution for her commitment to women’s education. Recognizing the urgency of Asefa’s situation, Judy arranges for a psychiatrist, who is also a refugee, to evaluate Asefa. This psychiatrist, who has secured a work visa, visits the detention center and verifies Judy’s concerns about Asefa’s overmedication, suggesting a gradual reduction in her medication to ascertain her genuine mental health status.

Judy’s visits to Asefa become increasingly frequent, and with each encounter, she witnesses a profound transformation in Asefa’s alertness. During one visit, she connects with another woman whose husband is also detained and offers her assistance, which leads to more potential clients seeking Judy’s legal support. However, Ray grows frustrated with Judy’s burgeoning caseload and ultimately decides to fire her. Undeterred, Judy resolves to start her own law office in downtown Los Angeles.

Through her tireless efforts, Judy becomes a crucial advocate for women’s rights in the asylum process, successfully changing United States asylum law to include women as a protected class. This monumental victory is believed to have saved the lives of countless female immigrants worldwide, including Asefa Ashwari, who was at risk of deportation. Her triumph in the 9th Circuit showcases Judy’s unwavering dedication to her clients, often placing their needs above her own family obligations.