National Legal Center for Immigrants
An International Human Right to Free Legal Counsel for Unaccompanied and Separated Children in U.S. Immigration Proceedings
C. DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this memorandum, the following definitions apply:
§ Child: Every human being below the age of 18 years, unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.[1]
§ Unaccompanied children: Children (as defined above) who have been separated from both parents and other relatives and are not being cared for by an adult who, by law or custom, is responsible for doing so.[2]
An International Human Right to Free Legal Counsel for Unaccompanied and Separated Children in U.S. Immigration Proceedings
A. PURPOSE
This memorandum highlights international human rights law and commentary as well as potential arguments based on this law that could be utilized by U.S.-based advocates to promote a right to free legal counsel for unaccompanied and separated children navigating domestic immigration proceedings. Where relevant, the memorandum also references regional human rights law and national policies and identifies further avenues of research for advocates.
An International Human Right to Free Legal Counsel for Unaccompanied and Separated Children in U.S. Immigration Proceedings
I. Introduction
A. Purpose
This memorandum highlights international human rights law and commentary as well as potential arguments based on this law that could be utilized by U.S.-based advocates to promote a right to free legal counsel for unaccompanied and separated children navigating domestic immigration proceedings. Where relevant, the memorandum also references regional human rights law and national policies and identifies further avenues of research for advocates.
Using International Law in U.S. Immigration Cases
The following resources were created as part of a partnership between CLINIC and the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University to encourage the use of international law arguments in U.S. immigration cases:
Webinar: Preparing Clients for USCIS Interviews: Tips and Techniques
Date: Thursday Jun 09, 2011 (2:00pm) to Thursday Jun 09, 2011 (3:30pm)
June 9, 2011
Preparing Clients for USCIS Interviews: Tips and Techniques
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Eastern DaylightTime
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time
Cost: $50; Free for CLINIC affiliates paying annual dues
Introduction to Immigration Law Practice: A Course for New Practitioners
Date: Thursday Jul 14, 2011 (8:45am) to Friday Jul 15, 2011 (5:00pm)
Introduction to Immigration Law Practice:
A Course for New Practitioners
Co-Sponsored by
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)
and
Catholic Charities of Dallas, Immigration and Legal Services Program
July 14-15, 2011
8:45 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. – Day One
8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Day Two
Location:
Introduction to Family-Based Immigration
Date: Tuesday Jun 21, 2011 (8:30am) to Wednesday Jun 22, 2011 (5:00pm)
Introduction to Family-Based Immigration
Co-Sponsored by
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)
Catholic Social Services, Diocese of Charlotte
June 21-22, 2011
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Day One
8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Day Two
Location:
Pastoral Center, Diocese of Charlotte
1123 S. Church Street
Charlotte, NC 28203
704-370-3262
In-Person Training
CLINIC’s 2013 in-person training schedule includes multi-day trainings on a variety of issues related to immigration law and practice and program management. Our trainings are open to the staff of CLINIC affiliates, other non-profit agencies, private attorneys, and private law office staff. A number of our trainings this year include speakers from and/or options to visit various offices of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
12th Annual Family Immigration Law Conference and Tour of the Consulate
12th Annual Family Immigration Law Conference
and Tour of the Consulate
Co-Sponsored by:
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
Catholic Charities of Dallas, and
Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services
Advanced Immigration Program Management Training: Preparing for an Earned Pathway to Citizenship - Oakland
Advanced Immigration Program Management Training |

