Course Details

Description:

The Immigration and Human Rights Clinic represents persons seeking asylum in the United States, as well as immigrant detainees at removal hearings in U.S. Immigration Court. Students interview and counsel clients, research conditions in the countries from which their clients have fled, draft briefs in defense of their clients' claims, and present claims to the Department of Homeland Security, the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, students participate in various public policy projects, including analyzing immigration reform proposals, proposing measures to meet the unmet legal needs of Minnesota's low income immigrant population, and participating in coalitions of public interest organizations that advocate on behalf of immigrant and detainee rights. Each student will handle at least two asylum cases, spend two full days representing detainees at Immigration Court, and participate in at least one public policy project. Students appearing at immigration Court on behalf of asylum-seekers and detainees will handle case and client preparation and courtroom appearances. Students generally work in teams of two on their cases. Students in the Clinic receive extensive feedback on their written work (briefs, legal memoranda, letters to clients and opposing counsel, etc.) as well as their client interviewing and oral advocacy skills. Enrollment is limited to eight students.