Immigrants’ Rights Clinic
Overview
Students in the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic have full responsibility for defending clients against deportation in San Francisco Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the federal courts of appeals. As part of that work, students write complex legal briefs, argue cases, conduct fact investigation, interview witnesses and clients, and represent clients in mini-trials. Students also engage in cutting-edge litigation and advocacy in partnership with local and national immigrants’ rights organizations.
Latest Updates
Reflections on Visiting a Detained Client
Students Caroline Hunsicker, ’24, and Seth Goldman, ’23 represented R, a longtime legal permanent resident who remains in immigration custody due to a single drug possession conviction. As part of their clinic experience, Caroline and Seth traveled to the detention facility where R is located. Caroline and Seth reflect on their experience visiting R for the first time.
IRC Wins Deportation Case
Congratulations to IRC client, Mr. M, who was recently granted legal permanent residency after successfully winning his deportation case. In the Spring of 2022, Students Vanessa Young Viniegra, ‘23, and Tiffany Liu, ‘23 represented Mr. M at his initial hearing. Students engaged in client interviewing and counseling and did extensive complex legal research. This past Fall, students Mitchell Wong, ‘24, and Nathan Tauger, ’24, represented Mr. M at his final immigration hearing. Prior to the hearing, Mitchell and Nathan filed an 800 page evidentiary submission and a legal brief. The Immigration Judge granted Mr. M’s application for permanent residency. Mr. M is now allowed to remain in the U.S. with his wife and children.
IRC Client Granted Asylum
The IRC represented Ms. S, a mother and native of Cameroon seeking asylum based on political persecution. Students Marisa Lowe, ’23, and Viviana Andazola Marquez, ’22 conducted fact-gathering interviews and drafted legal research memos that laid the foundation for Ms. S’s asylum claims. They also represented Ms. S at her first hearing. Students Tessa Silverman, ’24 and Truman Chen, ’24 prepared an 1,000+ page evidentiary submission and regularly met with Ms. S to prepare her for her final immigration hearing. Students also represented Ms. S at her hearing in San Francisco Immigration Court, where she was granted asylum.
In the News
US Sanctions and the International Criminal Court
American Society of International Law
Beth Van Schaack spoke on the relationship between the US and the International Criminal Court at an event organized by the American Society of International Law on September 23.
Read MoreJudge rules ICE must allow detainees free, private calls with attorneys during pandemic
Legal Organizations Fight New ICE Policy Blocking Meetings with Detainees
Immigrant Advocates Ask Judge For Nationwide Policy For Asylum-Seekers
ICE Is Holding $204 Million In Bond Money, And Some Immigrants Might Never Get It Back
Trump's Threat To Close US-Mexico Border Is To Please Voters, Experts Say