New Immigrants' Rights Program

The Law School has joined forces with Alianza Dominicana and the Legal Aid Society to provide services to the increasing number of immigrants in upper Manhattan.

Maria Navarro of Alianza Dominicana heads the initiative, which will also provide pro bono work opportunities for Law School students. "My grandparents were immigrants, and they were lucky that they didn't have to face the degree of complexity that now pervades our immigration laws," said Dean David Schizer, who spoke at the opening ceremony on October 11.

"In addition to the financial resources that Columbia has contributed, the Law School is supplying an even more precious resource - our students, who will...take away something for themselves - invaluable experience, and the pride and satisfaction that comes with using their talents to help others."

Also attending the opening was U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel, State Senator Eric Schniederman, and Robert Kasdin, senior vice president at Columbia University. Assisting in the creation of the alliance were Julissa Reynoso ‘01 and Marcia Sells ‘84, assistant vice president for planning and program development at the University.