The Problem
The System is Broken
When an asylum seeker does not have legal representation, immigration courts in the US deny 90% of cases. But with representation, asylum seekers are 5x more likely to win their case. With nearly 500,000 pending asylum cases, there are not enough lawyers to meet the need.
Our approach to immigration
Training Students
SCIJ’s training program provides students with a broad overview of immigration law and history so they’re prepared to provide legal services to immigrants. The program includes lecture-style presentations and hands-on exercises, in addition to workshops about community organizing.
Fighting in the courts
Advocating for Justice
Trained students are paired with experienced immigration attorneys working on asylum cases. Students support attorneys by taking on all aspects of an asylum case with SCIJ mentoring students during the process. Partner attorneys review the case during key checkpoints and are the attorneys of record, similarly to working with a paralegal.