Communications & Marketing
BIA Precedent Setting Decision
One of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) Pro Bono Project attorneys has made significant inroads to enhance the rights of immigrants with mental disabilities. Representing a Jamaican immigrant with serious mental disabilities, the efforts of Janet Beck and her students at the University of Houston Law Center contributed to the Board Precedent decision, Matter of M-A-M. Thanks to Janet Beck and CLINIC, Immigration judges may no longer turn a blind eye to the issue of
Dario's Story
Dario feared for his life in his native country, but told no one at the detention facility because he was afraid that the news could get back to his country and put his parents and siblings at risk. An LOPC staff member explained the concepts of confidentiality and attorney-client privilege to the child’s potential custodian and assured her that the child would be screened by a local non-profit program, at which point the child should not hesitate to speak candidly about his fear of
Lutu's Story
Having grown up in New York, Lutu (age 22), was about to start his final year in college when he was stopped for a minor traffic violation. Due to his status as an undocumented immigrant, Lutu was taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody and paid a $10,000 bond. Nevertheless, Lutu was rearrested and detained after voluntarily returning to the ICE office. Thanks to his Catholic Charities attorney and CLINIC’s advocacy efforts, ICE released Lutu and deferred hi
Jessica and Ana's Story
Jessica and Ana (ages 5 and 11) were released into the custody of their uncle, who they had never met before. The uncle initially refused to let the childrens’ mother see the girls. When Jessica and Ana eventually went to live with their mother, the uncle refused to give the girls’ immigration court documents to their mother. The LOPC Project Coordinator referred Jessica and Ana’s immigration claims to an attorney.
Fr. Jamil's Story
Due to political violence erupting in Kenya, Fr. Jamil’s mother was forced to flee her home and rebuild her life. Fr. Jamil, a Kenyan priest working in the U.S., needed to temporarily return to Kenya to take care of his mother during this time of unrest. His religious worker visa expired, however, and the delay in processing Fr.
Silvia's Story
A school in rural North Carolina refused to enroll Silvia because her custodian was not the child’s parent or legal guardian. After the Legal Orientation Program for Custodians (LOPC) staff in Harlingen educated Silvia’s custodian and the school about the child’s right to receive an education, she was eventually enrolled in school. LOPC staff also referred Silvia's immigration case to local legal aid agencies and reported the school issue to the Charlotte LOPC site for follow-up
Margarita's StoryMrs. Gonzalez's Story
Mrs. Gonzalez, an 85 year old grandmother, dreamed of becoming a U.S. citizen ever since she received her green card. However, she felt intimidated due to her age, her lack of English, and the cumbersome application process. Catholic Charities staff helped her apply for an English exemption based on her age and long-term residency, helped her prepare for the U.S. history and civics test, and cheered her on at every stage of the process. She became a proud U.S.
Margarita's Story
After Margarita’s long battle to win asylum from the abusive father of her children and his fellow gang members, she was able to reunite with her two sons. Her eldest son is receiving an education she never thought possible because of his learning disability. She is now on the path to becoming a citizen of the country she is proud to call home.
7th Annual Law & Policy Conference
7th Annual Law & Policy Conference
To view the 2010 conference, click on the blue links below:
