Law 693:  Immigration Law Clinic

In the Immigration Law Clinic, students receive intensive instruction in the substantive law, procedures, and concepts required to represent clients in a multitude of immigration matters, including: affirmative applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for immigrant victims of crimes and/or persecution, for abused, abandoned or neglected children, defense in removal proceedings before the Executive Office of Immigration Review; appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals; and for individuals seeking permanent residence status or naturalization. Authorized by federal regulation, second- and third-year  law students engage in representation of real clients in immigration matters. Students complete these direct services under the supervision of clinic faculty to ensure representation consistent with best practices. Students may appear in court and in non-adversarial administrative interviews. Students gain experience in client interviewing and counseling, factual investigation, trial preparation, advocacy, persuasive writing, and other work relevant to representation of immigrant clients. Students will also hone oral advocacy skills as they present to their classmates and to community members on topics in immigration law. 

Sequence and Prerequisites: Both second- and third-year law students are eligible for participation in this clinic under 8 C.F.R. §1292.1(a)(2).  This course does not require eligibility (completion of 45 hours) for certification under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711.

Evaluation: This is a five credit, graded course that includes both a clinic and seminar.  Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 225 hours during the semester.

Course Classification: Experiential