Immigrants' Rights Clinic

The clinic is offered for 7 points: 3 points for the classroom component and 4 points for the casework component.


Overview: The Immigrants' Rights Clinic is an intensive learning and working environment that offers students an opportunity to develop lawyering and advocacy skills in the context of both direct client representation and cutting edge projects related to immigration reform. Each student handles significant case responsibilities, visits immigration detention facilities on a regular basis, and has at least one appearance in immigration court by the end of the semester. Our clients are from around the world.

Direct client representation: The Clinic represents individuals detained at two immigration detention facilities in northern New Jersey, the Elizabeth Detention Center and Delaney Hall in Newark. The clinic represents immigrants on their defenses to deportation, including asylum, withholding of removal, and U.N. Convention Against Torture claims. We also represent victims of crimes on applications for U visas and victims of trafficking on applications for T visas. As the need arises, we assist individuals who wish to return to their home countries.

Students, working in pairs, assume primary responsibility for all aspects of individual case preparation, including interviewing clients and witnesses, investigating facts, drafting pleadings, motions practice and briefing, developing case strategies, conducting oral argument, leading negotiations, preparing witnesses, and performing legal research.

Advocacy Projects: The Clinic works in conjunction with or on behalf of national and local organizations that represent immigrants to further immigration reform. Students collaborate on projects involving regulatory and legislative reform, impact litigation, public education, grassroots advocacy, media work, strategic planning, and related matters.