Defending Vulnerable Populations

Defending Vulnerable Populations Initiative

CLINIC launched the Defending Vulnerable Populations (DVP) Program in response to growing anti-immigrant sentiment and policy measures that hurt immigrants. Changes in federal policies since January 2017 have targeted millions of immigrants for deportation; ended Temporary Protected Status for more than 300,000 people who are being told they must return to their struggling countries; separated children from their asylum-seeking parents; barred people from certain majority-Muslim countries and slashed the number of refugees admitted to the United States.

DVP’s primary objective is to increase the number of fully accredited representatives and attorneys who are qualified to represent immigrants in immigration court proceedings. By increasing access to competent, affordable representation, the program’s initiatives focus on protecting the most vulnerable immigrants—those at immediate risk of deportation. To accomplish this objective, DVP conducts court skills trainings for both nonprofit agency staff (accredited representatives and attorneys) and pro bono attorneys; advocates against repressive policy changes; expands public awareness on issues faced by vulnerable immigrants; engages in discreet impact litigation; and develops written resources to assist legal representatives. DVP’s written resources includes timely practice advisories and guides on removal defense strategies, amicus briefs before the BIA and U.S. courts of appeals, pro se materials to support the immigrant community, comments on regulatory proposals, and reports.

BIA Pro Bono Project

The BIA Pro Bono Appeals Project matches vulnerable immigrants with pro bono counsel to defend their cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals, or BIA. One of the nation's most successful pro bono initiatives, the BIA Project partners with attorneys and law school clinics to provide pro bono legal representation to indigent immigrants.

Resources, Webinars, and Trainings on DVP

Choose a category below or search by title. For a full list of all DVP resources, visit our resource library.

DACA Practice Advisories

Practice Advisory: Non-Lawful Permanent Resident Cancellation of Removal Under INA § 240A(b) for DACA Recipients

Last updated on October 29, 2018

As the future of DACA recipients remains uncertain, practitioners who work with DACA recipients should explore permanent relief options for this vulnerable population.

Practice Advisory: LGBTI DACA Recipients and Options for Relief under Asylum Law

Last updated on May 9, 2018

As the future of DACA recipients remains uncertain, practitioners who work with DACA recipients should explore permanent relief options for this vulnerable population.

Practice Advisory: Overcoming the Asylum One-Year Filing Deadline for DACA Recipients

Last updated on April 25, 2018

The Trump Administration’s September 5, 2017 DACA rescission has left DACA recipients in limbo and prompted many questions on what comes next for this vulnerable population.

Practice Advisory: Motions to Reopen for DACA Recipients with Removal Orders

Last updated on April 25, 2018

The Trump Administration’s September 5, 2017 DACA rescission has left DACA recipients in limbo and prompted many questions on what comes next for this vulnerable population.

Practice Advisory: Stays of Removal for DACA Recipients with Removal Orders

Last updated on April 25, 2018

The Trump Administration’s September 5, 2017 DACA rescission has left DACA recipients in limbo and prompted many questions on what comes next for this vulnerable population.

Practice Advisory: Bond Related Issues for DACA Recipients

Last updated on April 25, 2018

The Trump Administration’s September 5, 2017 DACA rescission has left DACA recipients in limbo and prompted many questions on what comes next for this vulnerable population.

About the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

Embracing the Gospel value of welcoming the stranger, CLINIC promotes the dignity and protects the rights of immigrants in partnership with a dedicated network of Catholic and community legal immigration programs. We are based out of Silver Spring, Maryland (Washington, D.C. metropolitan area), with an office in Oakland, California, and additional staff working from locations throughout the country. Questions and inquiries can be sent to national@cliniclegal.org.

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Additional Items

Defending Vulnerable Populations Initiative

Partial to Full Accredited Representative Initiative

BIA Pro Bono Project

Litigation

Family Separation

In-person Court Skills Trainings

Resources, Webinars, and Trainings on DVP

DACA Practice Advisories

Promoting the Dignity of Immigrants with Affordable Legal Expertise

Make a Monthly Donation

Volunteer Your Time

Support a Scholarship

About the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

Stay Up-to-Date

Join Our Email List

Use Your Affiliate Benefits

Additional Items

Connect with Us on Social Media

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Defending Vulnerable Populations Initiative

Partial to Full Accredited Representative Initiative

BIA Pro Bono Project

Litigation

Family Separation

In-person Court Skills Trainings

Resources, Webinars, and Trainings on DVP

DACA Practice Advisories

Promoting the Dignity of Immigrants with Affordable Legal Expertise

Make a Monthly Donation

Volunteer Your Time

Support a Scholarship

About the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

Stay Up-to-Date

Join Our Email List

Use Your Affiliate Benefits

Additional Items

Connect with Us on Social Media