Resolve Your Questions with Legal Research

Have you ever found yourself stumped by a legal question? How do you figure out if a married child can petition for their parent as a U nonimmigrant? How do you determine when the petty offense exception to the CIMT ground of inadmissibility applies? How can you know if your client is subject to the affidavit of support requirement? The presenters will discuss the basics of conducting legal research by looking at the statute, regulations, USCIS Policy Manual, as well as secondary sources such as practice advisories and immigration law treatises.

Selected Issues in Family - Based

Family-based immigration can present a host of potential problems for both the beginner and advanced practitioner. This workshop will reveal some of the shallows and unseen reefs for those trying to navigate its routes to permanent residency. It will cover a variety of topics: potential risks and difficulties in filing Form I-130 petitions; challenges in marriage-based cases; identifying situations where adjustment of status is not an option; and working with clients at the NVC and consulate stage. It will also provide an update on the latest changes from the current administration.

Practical Conversations: Program Management

This session is geared for individuals with program management roles at their organizations (executive director, program director, project managers, or project support staff). At this session you will have an opportunity to engage in conversations that promote learning and sharing of effective program management practices and challenges around effective program management.

Filing BIA and Circuit Court Appeals

Having a case denied in immigration court does not mean the end of the road for our clients. The law provides for two important types of appeals: an administrative appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals and a petition for review submitted to federal court. We will discuss the process for submitting each type of appeal, the standard of review for these appeals, and jurisdictional issues surrounding federal court review.

Public Charge and the Affidavit of Support

The public charge ground of inadmissibility is often a significant obstacle for low-income clients applying for family-based immigration. But it is also a challenge for practitioners who are assisting in completing the affidavit of support. In this workshop we will review the exceptions to the affidavit of support requirements, how to calculate household size, how to measure current income, and the supporting documentation that must be filed. We will also review any recent changes or proposed changes to the definition of public charge under the current administration.

Getting Your Case Unstuck: Escalating Cases to the Agencies

Learn effective strategies for navigating delays and overcoming challenges when working with immigration agencies. This workshop will cover best practices for engaging with USCIS, CBP, and ICE, using liaison assistance, and leveraging resources like the Ombudsman’s Office or congressional inquiries. Gain practical tips, real-world examples, and tools to successfully escalate stalled cases. 

Trends and Hot Topics in U Nonimmigrant Status and Adjustment

Advocates face ever-evolving challenges in representing their clients in U Status related cases. USCIS frequently changes how it adjudicates U status related cases from filing to the bona fide determination process, to U approval and adjustment. In addition, we expect to see many changes and new challenges under this Administration. The presenters will highlight trends in adjudication and discuss approaches to handling these issues. This workshop is best suited to experienced practitioners in that it assumes knowledge of the eligibility requirements for U Status and adjustment.

Action Planning - Interactive DOJ Recognition and Accreditation

Is your organization’s applications for recognition and/or accreditation “application ready”? Are you feeling overwhelmed about how to answer a question on the application or what attachments should be included? Join CLINIC’s DOJ R & A experts as we share best practices and answer application specific questions. This workshop is best suited to those applying for initial recognition and/or accreditation but could also benefit long-term practitioners who may be applying for renewal for the first time using the new forms and instructions.

T Visa Fundamentals

This session will cover the fundamentals of obtaining T nonimmigrant status for victims of human trafficking. Presenters will discuss the eligibility requirements, with a focus on identifying situations that constitute human trafficking and establishing a connection between physical presence in the U.S. with victimization. This session will also cover the application process, common challenges, and best practices for preparing a successful case.