In this clinic, students will represent low- and moderate-income immigrants in matters relating to immigration status. Students will represent individuals fleeing persecution, those facing deportation because of criminal convictions, and those who have been the targets of abusive enforcement practices. They may advocate before the Department of Homeland Security, the Baltimore Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals or in the federal courts. Clients may, in some cases, be detained by DHS. In addition, students will work on the clinic’s Access to Justice projects, which can include advocating for a statewide immigrant legal defense fund, advocating for law reform affecting immigrants in Annapolis, and other projects. All work will be supervised directly by Clinic faculty. Students will build professional skills and collaboration in a litigation setting; learn immigration law in the context of practice; explore issues of professional responsibility in client representation and the role of the attorney in providing access to the justice system; and look at wider issues of US immigration policy. There will be a once-weekly seminar-style class, and in addition, students will meet weekly with clinic faculty to discuss ongoing client matters. Students’ grades will be based on the quality of their work, their professionalism (e.g., attention to ethical responsibilities; communication with and commitment to supervisors, colleagues, and clients; and compliance with deadlines); effort; improvement; initiative and resourcefulness; and willingness and ability to support their colleagues.

Prerequisite or co-requisite: Immigration Law.

Students who enroll in this course are also required to attend a one day Law Practice Orientation Program.