Remote Motions to Reopen Project

CLINIC created the Remote Motions to Reopen Project, or RMTR Project, to address the critical need for competent representation for individuals with final orders of removal who could reopen their proceedings through filing a motion to reopen.

A final order of removal has serious consequences. First and foremost, it puts a person at immediate risk of removal (or deportation) from the United States. Deportation can tear families apart and, for some, it can mean return to a dangerous country where the person faces torture, persecution, or even death. In addition, a prior removal order can make a person ineligible for certain immigration benefits and can prevent a person from returning to the United States even if they are otherwise eligible for a visa.

Yet, many people can reopen proceedings based on new evidence that has come to light since their hearing before the immigration judge. For example, a person might seek to reopen based on new evidence of a mental illness that prevented the individual from effectively presenting their case or evidence of changed conditions in their country of origin that now make it much more dangerous for the person to return. Reopening in circumstances like these could mean the difference between being permanently separated from family in the United States and being permitted to stay in the United States lawfully or might even mean the difference between life and death.

CLINIC’s RMTR Project addresses the critical need for representation on motions to reopen by providing assistance and capacity building in three ways: 1) by representing individuals who have removal orders in cooperation with pro bono attorneys, 2) by mentoring practitioners who are working on motions to reopen, and 3) by offering trainings and educational materials related to motions to reopen.

Notable Wins

  • CLINIC filed a successful motion to reopen based on exceptional circumstances before the San Antonio Immigration Court on behalf of a Garifuna family from Honduras subject to the Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPP, that was kidnapped on their way to their hearing and held for ransom.
  • CLINIC filed a successful motion to reopen proceedings before the Miami Immigration Court on behalf of a Guatemalan mother who had been forcibly separated from her young son when she entered the United States under the Trump administration’s Zero Tolerance policy. She had been unable to effectively present her case to the Immigration Judge due to ineffective assistance of prior counsel and her inability to understand the court interpreter, who spoke a different dialect of Mam.
  • After a federal court invalidated a Trump-era change that barred anyone who had traveled through another country on their way to the United States from attaining asylum, CLINIC filed a successful motion to reopen before the Jena Immigration Court on behalf of a Cameroonian man who was granted withholding of removal but denied asylum because he had traveled through other countries while fleeing to the United States. Only receiving withholding of removal meant that he could not reunite with his wife, who remained in danger in Cameroon. CLINIC filed a motion to reopen and successfully won asylum so that his wife could join him in the United States.
  • CLINIC filed a successful motion to reopen before the New Orleans Immigration Court on behalf of two young children who had been forcibly separated from their mother when they entered the United States under the Trump administration’s Zero Tolerance policy. They had missed their immigration court hearing because gang members murdered a family member just days before their hearing and their mother, who was already dealing with compounded trauma, was too distraught to get them to their hearing.

Welcoming Chula Vista

April 28, 2021
Laura Nino

Promoting immigrant integration and fostering a community of inclusivity and dignity has always been part of the fabric of the community for Chula Vista, Calif. The city is located seven miles from downtown San Diego and seven miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, marking it “the center of one of the richest cultural, ethnically diverse and multilingual communities in the United States,” according to the City Manager’s webpage.

In 2017, shortly after the Trump administration issued the Muslim ban, Chula Vista residents reached out to city officials expressing their concerns about the message this was sending to newcomers. After speaking with community members, the city quickly jumped into action to cement and codify its integration efforts. The city immediately reinstated the Human Relations Commission, bringing together eleven community members who represent local nonprofit, business, education and advocacy groups, with a goal to uphold equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of immigration status. Secondly, the Chula Vista Chief of Police issued a statement of solidarity with the immigrant community, noting that local officers would not enforce federal immigration laws. The city of Chula Vista is unique since it does not have a citywide strategic plan or a dedicated office for immigrant advancement. Integration initiatives are overseen by the City Manager’s office and are supported by community members and local partners.

The established commission offers guidance and recommendations to the Mayor, City Council and the City Manager on initiatives to promote the city’s diversity. In 2019, Chula Vista became the first city in the state to become Certified Welcoming. “It was very rewarding to see that we were already doing this work. Our goal now is to enhance what we’ve been doing,” said Anne Steinberger, marketing and communications manager for the City of Chula Vista and co-liaison to the Human Relations Committee. To receive this certification from the organization Welcoming America, cities and counties go through a rigorous evaluation and must demonstrate their commitment to welcoming all residents through the implementation of inclusive policies and practices. Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas — who made history in 2014 after becoming the first Latina Mayor — is a strong supporter of the city’s integration efforts.

For over twenty years, the city has partnered with nonprofits, schools, healthcare centers and local officials to meet the needs of community members through the Chula Vista Community Collaborative. After becoming Certified Welcoming, the Human Relations Commission collaborated with nonprofits, residents, and city officials to develop the Welcoming Chula Vista Implementation Plan, which outlines various initiatives and recommendations to increase integration and promote inclusivity among the community. For example, local nonprofits will use the promotora model to engage and establish trust with community members in order to identify barriers that are preventing the community from accessing city services and programs. Prior to the pandemic, the city was in the process of collaborating on community-wide events, to promote diversity of residents. Events included Neighbor Day, Bonita Fest, Mariachi Festival and Music in the Park, to name a few. While large group gatherings are currently on hold, the city hopes to encourage resident participation through civic engagement by changing current policies and increasing opportunities for the immigrant community to engage in city council meetings or committees. Currently, most city commissioners need to be registered voters in order to participate; however, the Human Relations Committee collaborated with the Charter Review Commission to work with the city council and will allow residents with or without documented status to participate. The city currently has 22 active commissions for all residents to join and contribute to influencing policies, such as candidate forums, budget and transportation. Residents are also strongly encouraged to attend and participate in city council meetings and other public hearings. By expanding opportunities for civic engagement, the city can receive diverse views and input from residents with different lived experiences. Other initiatives include collaborating with public schools to work with immigrant students achieving higher education through information sharing, offering financial assistance workshops, education counseling and advocacy for in-state tuition.

“There is so much you can do, when you work together”, said Steinberger. While the city has been limited in its implementation of the 2019 recommendations due to the pandemic, the city joined forces with partners to offer relief to families and individuals impacted by the pandemic. For cities and nonprofits looking to collaborate to support newcomers in their community, Steinberger encourages city officials “to listen and talk to the community, as well as look at what services you are currently offering… you may be closer than you think [to promoting immigrant integration in the community]”.

CLINIC applauds the city of Chula Vista for their continued efforts to promote integration and inclusivity and to create a community of safety and welcoming. Are you engaging with your city officials to promote integration? Share your efforts with us to be featured in CLINIC’s monthly newsletter.

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Attorney

Position Summary

The mission of the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is to spread the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. In the faithful pursuit of this mission, the archdiocese is seeking an Attorney. The Attorney will provide legal advice and counsel to the Archdiocese of Washington. In particular, the Attorney will address complex and diverse legal matters affecting the Archdiocese (which includes the Central Pastoral Administration, as well as individual parishes, schools, and ministries) to ensure legal compliance and identify and reduce risk. The Attorney will be expected to provide legal guidance, while maintaining a pastoral approach, in the areas of contracts, property, land use, religious liberty, education, corporations, employment, tax, non-profit organizations, education and schools, estates, immigration, public policy, and other areas of the law; manage litigation activities involving the Archdiocese to ensure successful and cost-efficient defense; and assist with legal issues brought forward by other departments, ministries, and affiliated corporations. This role can be a flextime or part time position if needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Draft and review contracts and documents related to property transactions
  • Analyze and prepare responses to subpoenas and records requests
  • Collaborate with other departments on legal issues impacting their ministries
  • Provide legal advice and guidance to pastors, principals and corporate officers
  • Research and analyze legal issues for 501(c)(3) entities
  • Research, analyze, and prepare documents related to tax-exempt status
  • Research and analyze legal issues pertaining to Catholic identity, religious freedom, and public policy
  • Research and analyze federal, state, and local legal and regulatory requirements
  • Review and coordinate the filing of immigration documents
  • Prepare archdiocesan corporate documents
  • Represent archdiocesan entities and employees as assigned
  • Perform other related duties as assigned
  • This role will be considered for those who are seeking part-time or flex time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Interest in supporting the Church by using your legal skills and experience
  • Demonstrated communication and collaborative skills, including the ability to provide clear and succinct oral and written legal guidance, work cooperatively within a team environment, and effectively supervise and manage support staff.
  • Excellent listener

Education and Experience

  • Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church and who fully supports her teachings required
  • Law degree
  • Membership in District of Columbia and Maryland bar
  • 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Background in theology, canon law, non-profit law, or public policy issues impacting the Roman Catholic Church a plus
  • Strong legal research and writing skills and familiarity with Lexis Nexis for legal research
  • Demonstrated communication and collaborative skills, including the ability to provide clear and succinct oral and written legal guidance, work cooperatively within a team environment, and effectively supervise and manage support staff.
  • Experience in commercial law practice a plus

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, printers and filing cabinets. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Position details

This is a full time, exempt role (consideration may be made for a candidate interested in part time or a flex time role)

Click here to apply

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Classification

Exempt

Reports To

General Counsel

Position

Attorney

Organization

Catholic Archdiocese of Washington

Job Location

Central Pastoral Administration
Hyattsville, MD
United States

Legal Specialist - Immigration Law - Bilingual

Position Summary

The Immigration Representative III provides technical immigration advice, case supervision, and quality assurance for the Immigration Program staff. Working in tandem with the Assistant Director, Immigration this position provides services ranging from supporting and supervising the work of other Immigration Representatives to provide services for Family Based Petitions, U-Visa’s, T-Visa’s, Naturalization, and other immigration legal services, and assists with the identification and development of new services and policies/procedures.

Typical Duties Include (but are not limited to):

  • Revision of immigration petitions and applications to assure accuracy and appropriateness; consultative and technical advice to staff on immigration regulations; training on immigration regulations and procedures. Supervision of Immigration Representatives I and II, including performance management, time & attendance, and disciplinary actions.
  • Provide trainings and updates to the Accredited Immigration Representative I and II when requested.
  • Interview clients to determine eligibility for either admission as immigrant or other benefits (i.e. naturalization, self-petitioners, family-based petitions, appeals/waivers, etc.). Advise clients regarding recommended strategies for the optimal resolution of their cases.
  • Prepare client applications and petitions using computer software.
  • Maintain applications, records, and all required documentation according to program procedures; submit in a timely fashion.
  • Maintain and increase up-to-date knowledge of immigration law and policies through daily reading (e-mail list serves, publications) and participation in webinars, staff meetings, and periodic training.
  • Provide outreach, public presentations, assistance at workshops and events, training on immigration regulations, and quality assurance to clients and community-based organizations in the six-county service area, as needed.
  • Advise supervisor on development, assessment, and updating of policies and procedures for program.
  • Maintain DOJ Accreditation.
  • Attend meetings, trainings and/or conferences, and report back at the request of program leadership. Familiarity with the policies and procedures guiding the work of this position in particular and the program or department overall. Perform job functions in line with these policies and procedures.
  • Participation in training to enhance skill development, use of best practice standards, and in performance and quality improvement efforts.
  • Work with Diocese of Santa Rosa and local parishes as appropriate and requested
  • May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Agency Culture: It is essential that all employees of Catholic Charities aspire to the following:

  • A commitment to the agency’s mission, vision, and values;
  • A commitment to excellence in everything we do;
  • A commitment to accreditation as well as performance and quality improvement;
  • A commitment to outcomes and measured results;
  • A commitment to innovation and to what is possible.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required:

  • Fully DOJ accredited, or partially DOJ accredited with at least three (3) years of progressive experience in the immigration law field, or supervision of Immigration Representatives II highly desirable. Bilingual (English/Spanish) required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of immigration law and regulations, especially in family-based immigration, and/or naturalization, and/or U-Visa, and/or T-Visa, and other required.
  • Strong writing and verbal communication, and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in Windows, database programs, Microsoft Office suite, and the specialized software use by the Immigration Program.
  • Previous experience or involvement with immigrant community, preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to serve clients in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner.
  • Strong organizational ability; attention to detail and accuracy and demonstrated ability to learn technical and legal information. Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
  • Cooperative, friendly, solution-oriented, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with other employees to ensure positive, constructive environment within the program or department, and throughout the agency.
  • Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of CCDSR and its clients.
  • Computer literacy required, including experience with Office 365 and Excel.
  • Possess valid driver's license; at least state required minimum of auto insurance.
  • Must pass DOJ background clearance (fingerprinting) in accordance with the Diocese of Santa Rosa’s policies, prior to start of employment.

Physical Requirements:

  • Requires ability to sit up to 6 - 8 hours per day.
  • Requires ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, pull/push, and grasp up to 3 hours per day.
  • Occasionally may be required to lift items up to 25 pounds to a height up to 3 feet.
  • Occasionally may be required to carry items up to 25 pounds for distances up to one block.

Catholic Charities considers this position to be a mandated reporter of elder and child abuse.

CCDSR participates in E-Verify, an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility. To learn more, please go to: https://www.e-verify.gov/about-e-verify/what-is-e-verify.

NOTE: We are seeking someone who has experience with family-based petitions in both Consular Processes and Adjustments of Status.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Closing Date

Employment Type

Affiliate Agency

Employment Level

Job

Hours

Full Time

Classification

Non-Exempt

Position

Legal Specialist - Immigration Law - Bilingual

Organization

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa

Job Location

Santa Rosa, CA
United States