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Defending Vulnerable Populations Program
CLINIC launched the Defending Vulnerable Populations 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 by ending or limiting avenues to a legal status; separating children from their asylum-seeking parents at the border; barring people from certain majority-Muslim countries; slashing the number of refugees admitted to the United States; forcing asylum-seekers to remain in Mexico while they apply for protection; eroding due process in immigration court proceedings and much more.
The DVP Program has the following objectives:
- Engage in strategic impact litigation that furthers the interests of our nationwide non-profit network
- Increase the number of competent and zealous non-profit, fully accredited representatives and attorneys available to represent immigrants in immigration court and on appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals, or BIA, and the U.S. Courts of Appeals
- Increase representation for detained immigrants appealing to the BIA and the U.S. Courts of Appeals through the BIA Pro Bono Project
- Establish innovative remote legal representation and mentorship models to increase pro and low bono legal representation capacity
- Seek transparency through Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, requests
- Advocate on behalf of vulnerable populations through comments on proposed regulations, amici briefings, reports and media.
Partial to Full Accredited Representative Initiative
This training is geared towards partial accredited representatives who want to qualify and apply for full accreditation in order to represent their clients in immigration court. Learn all you need to know to be an effective court advocate!
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.
Litigation
CLINIC’s Defending Vulnerable Populations Program engages in strategic litigation to advance the rights of immigrants.
Family Separation
CLINIC, in collaboration with its partners and affiliates, has built a multi-faceted response to the family separation crisis.
In-person Court Skills Trainings
Promoting the Dignity of Immigrants with Affordable Legal Expertise
As it has for more than 30 years, CLINIC will fight for the rights of immigrants. CLINIC trains legal representatives who provide high-quality and affordable immigration legal services. We develop and sustain a network of nonprofit programs that serve close to 500,000 immigrants every year. We cultivate projects that support and defend vulnerable immigrant populations by:
- providing direct representation for asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border and educating them about their rights;
- reuniting formerly separated families;
- increasing legal representation for those in removal proceedings and in detention;
- providing public education on immigration law and policies; and
- advocating for fair and just immigration policies that acknowledge the inherent dignity and value of all people.
History has taught us that people who step up can make a difference. We hope you will join us.
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Support a Scholarship
- Help representatives gain crucial training
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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Use Your Affiliate Benefits
If you are a CLINIC affiliate, be sure to regularly use your benefits. The page includes exclusive content and tools that will help you as a legal practitioner. Interested in learning more about affiliation? Read through our frequently asked questions to get started.
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