IMMIGRATION CLINIC

The state of

Arizona is home to more than 700,000 foreign-born residents with about a third lacking immigration status.  Most immigrants live in what demographers call mixed families, where some family members are citizens while others are either permanent lawful residents or lack immigration status.  Spanish is the primary language in 25% of the households in Arizona .  The complexity of immigrant families and language barriers makes it very difficult for them to navigate public services and the immigration process.  The lack of sufficient immigration services in the state leave immigrant families unable to obtain basic information and legal representation. 

The Immigration Law & Policy Clinic, a new program at the Arizona State University College of Law, seeks to address the current vacuum of immigration services in

Arizona .  The Clinic collaborates with local non-profits, governmental agents, other ASU departments, community advocates, and funders to identify and develop projects that address Arizona immigration challenges.

Our

Mission

1. Support the advancement of the clinic students; legal learning, social awareness, leadership capabilities, ethical consciousness.
2. Contribute to the betterment of all residents of

Arizona through pro bono work, community education, research, and legislative advocacy.
3. Foster and contribute to a healthy and informed dialogue on immigration policies.


Clinical Course

Enrollment is limited to eight students per Semester. Students receive six units graded Credit.  The inaugural clinic (Spring 2006) class will be limited to six students. 

If the course is oversubscribed, the following preferences apply:

1. In the fall, preference is given to third years and in the spring preference is given to second year students.
2. Students with Spanish fluency are given preference

Prerequisites:
1. Immigration Law & Policy Course
2. Submission of a letter of Intent (see below)
3. Students MUST be available all day Fridays

Letter of Intent: Students interested in the Immigration clinic must submit a letter of intent not to exceed five pages by (date) in which he/she discusses:

1. Why he/she is interested in participating in the clinic.
2. How participating in the clinic will advance his/her plans for the future.
3. What he/she can contribute to the overall goals of the clinic.
4. What his/her anticipated learning goals are.
5. Anything else he/she considers pertinent.

Returning Students:   In accordance to the Clinical Program requirements, each semester up to two students from a prior semester may be invited to return as Student Directors for two additional pass/fail credits.


Clinic Structure

• One Eight-Hour orientation meeting to take place before the start of the semester.
• Weekly two-hour skill training sessions.
• One Monthly case round meeting (to take place Friday mornings)
• Weekly two-hour supervision sessions
• Twenty hours a week spent on casework, community education, and research projects. 

Each student is expected to:

• Represent a client before the EOIR (immigration court) or USCIS (formerly INS) at least once during the course of the semester.
• Co-ordinate at least one community presentation
• Engage in writing assignments relating to litigation and legislative research/community involvement.
• Think outside the legal box

Skills & Concepts Studied: Interviewing, Trial Techniques, Legal Writing, Public Speaking, Statutory Analysis, Ethics, Research, Client-Centered Advocacy, Therapeutic Jurisprudence, Community Lawyering, Popular Education, Legislative Process, Cultural, Social  & Linguistic Competency, Trans-Disciplinary Practice.


Clinic Projects

Representation:

The clinic accepts a limited number of cases each semester for representation before the USCIS and the

Immigration Court in Phoenix , Arizona .  Because we can only accept about a dozen cases each semester, we only accept cases through referral from non-profit organizations.  In accepting a referral, the clinic utilizes the following criteria:

• The case’s legal merit, complexity of the issues, and opportunity to advance the law
• The availability of students to provide the legal services needed
• The appropriateness of the case for student representation
• The Client resources for obtaining representation
 
The Clinic will not accept cases that involve:

• Non-immigration matters
• Cases requiring civil action prior to commencing immigration proceedings (e.g. a TRO, Divorce, or Custody Determination)
• Emergencies: Need for immediate representation (e.g. arrest following a raid)


Community Education

Students provide community presentations on immigration law thought out the semester at schools, churches, and other community organizations.  To request a presentation, please complete a Community Ed Form.  Requests for presentations should be made as early in the semester as possible.
 
Policy

Students study the impact of legislative proposals, conduct legislative visits, and write comments on regulatory changes.  The clinic also provides research assistance to other ASU departments and pro-bono organizations engaged in immigration-related studies, litigation, or legislation. To request help with a research project please send a brief email to evelyn.cruz@asu.edu detailing your request for assistance.