🇺🇸🗽⚖️😎 HUGE WIN FOR TOURO LAW CLINIC SHOWS HOW EOIR COULD “LEVERAGE SUCCESS” FOR DUE PROCESS & DOCKET EFFICIENCY  — Quality Representation & Leadership Make A Difference, But Garland Letting Obvious Opportunities For Reforms Slip Through His Fingers!🤯

 

https://www.tourolaw.edu/abouttourolaw/featured-content/383/spotlight

Immigration Clinic Win!

pastedGraphic.png

Touro Law’s Immigration Clinic Secures Hard-Earned Victory

Touro Law students Pierre Piazza and Laraib Sarwar won a difficult victory for a Guatemalan woman facing persecution in her home country. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stipulated to the grant and the judge granted protection from deportation without requiring the client to testify. The students appeared remotely before the San Francisco Immigration Court alongside their client from the clinic conference room at school.

“The students’ work on this case exemplifies the Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic’s commitment to teaching practical legal skills through work on highly complex cases, securing life-changing relief for clients, and collaborating with advocacy organizations that pursue immigration justice,” stated Mauricio Noroña, Director of the Immigration Rights Advocacy Clinic and Assistant Clinical Professor of Law.

The client’s journey began amidst a high-profile ICE raid in Mississippi in 2019, where she was among 680 immigrants arrested for allegedly working without legal documentation. Subsequent deportation and immigration-related criminal convictions ensued, leading to a reinstated removal order upon her return to the United States in 2021. Barred from seeking asylum, she could only remain in the U.S. under a more stringent form of deportation relief. Her plight gained national attention, prompting intervention from key figures, including the chair of the House DHS Oversight Committee. National organizations have highlighted the challenges faced by the client to advocate for immigration protections for workers standing up against labor law violations.
The client stated, “The students and Professor Noroña gave my case so much importance. And, their work led the judge and the ICE officials to give me this protection. I am immensely happy with the work of the students, Professor Noroña, and all the organizations that supported me. I thank them wholeheartedly.”

The road to victory was arduous. Last semester, a dedicated student team, including Rida Raza, Michael Alperin, and LeAnn Ahmad, meticulously developed the client’s case, working with factual and expert witnesses to strengthen her application and crafting a prosecutorial discretion request to ICE. This semester, Pierre and Laraib tirelessly prepared for litigation, ensuring the readiness of factual and expert witnesses, while pursuing a prosecutorial discretion advocacy strategy with the National Day Laborers Organizing Network (NDLON). Their efforts garnered support from 50 organizations nationwide, further bolstering their client’s case.

The meticulous work completed by the Touro Law students developing and presenting the substantive merits of the case resulted in ICE agreeing to stipulate and the judge granting relief.

The students learned valuable lessons in advocating for their client while in law school.

Laraib Sarwar states, “Being a part of the immigration clinic and working on our client’s case allowed me to achieve a clearer understanding of the challenges associated with the practice of immigration law. My favorite part of this case was knowing that all the work I’m doing has a real and tangible effect on my client’s life. When the judge granted, and I was able to see the look of relief on our client’s face, it felt so gratifying to have been part of this process.”

Pierre Piazza said, “My experiences as a student with the Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic have taught me to approach cases with an open mind and heart, no matter how bleak their outcomes may seem. Our client deserves the opportunities she has gained here in the United States, and I am happy to have worked together with the Clinic to achieve what we didn’t think was possible. I greatly appreciate the opportunities the Clinic has given me and the people I’ve met throughout my time here.”

PHOTO CAPTION: Touro Law students Pierre Piazza (left) and Laraib Sarwar (right) pose with their client in the Immigration Rights Advocacy Clinic at Touro Law Center.

***************************

Congrats to this amazing NDPA Team!😎

Representation

Preparation

Conversation

Stipulation

Grant

The system could work this way in many, many more cases if doing so were an institutional priority, rather than an institutional anomaly! 

Notably, this case took very little actual court time. With properly trained and highly motivated IJs and counsel on both sides, numerous individuals could be granted necessary protection and other relief in a single “docket day” WITHOUT stomping on anybody’s rights!

And, significantly, our justice system and our nation would be much better off if this were the “norm.” Individuals could work permanently and get on the path to becoming green card holders and citizens (although the latter two might not apply in the circumstances of this particular case.) Overcrowded dockets would be reduced, backlogs would go down, messy and time-consuming appellate litigation would be avoided, and all involved would be rewarded and motivated to repeat their success! With proper positive guidance from EOIR, many more of these cases could be completed “at first instance” by a revived and revitalized USCIS Asylum Office!  

Obviously, by trying to “prioritize recent arrivals for assembly line denial,” often in detention and without fair representation, Garland is “prioritizing” exactly the WRONG cases with disastrous results for both his courts and our nation! EOIR is supposed to be a “practical justice system” NOT a (bogus) “deterrent” or an “adjunct of DHS Enforcement!” That Garland, himself a former Article III judge, lacks the perception, interest, ability, and leadership skills to get EOIR performing up to its “full positive potential” is a national tragedy, an ongoing disgrace, and a “cosmic missed opportunity” for the Biden Administration and for Democrats who believe in equal justice under law!

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

03-16-24

⚖️🗽👩🏾‍⚖️ CALLING NDPA ALL-STARS!🌟 — WANTED: BIA APPELLATE JUDGE DEDICATED TO DUE PROCESS, ASYLUM EXPERTISE, & PROMOTING BEST PRACTICES!  — Apply By April 12, 2024! — Better Judges For A Better America!

Refugees Welcome
What if the BIA cared about protection of asylum seekers rather than defaulting to rejection?
IMAGE: Public Realm

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/781350500

Summary

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) at the Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a highly-qualified individual to join our team of expert professionals who serve as Appellate Immigration Judges.

This is an Excepted Service position, subject to a probationary period. The initial appointment is for a period not to exceed 24 months. Conversion to a permanent position is contingent upon appointment by the Attorney General.

Learn more about this agency

Help Help

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Help Help

Duties

This position is in the Board of Immigration Appeals, within the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The incumbent reports to a Deputy Chief Appellate Immigration Judge, who in turn reports to the Chief Appellate Immigration Judge.

Appellate Immigration Judges must apply immigration laws impartially, humanely, and equitably and ensure that all parties are treated with respect and dignity. They also must resolve cases expeditiously, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, and consistent with the Department’s priorities and policies.

Appellate Immigration Judges are commissioned to serve in formal, quasi-judicial proceedings to review the determinations of immigration judges in removal and related proceedings, and of certain officers of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in visa petition proceedings and other matters. All Appellate Immigration Judges review the record on appeal, including briefs, exhibits, and transcripts, and hear oral argument when appropriate. An Appellate Immigration Judge may concur or dissent based on their view of any given case. The majority of the Appellate Immigration Judges’ duties fall into the general categories of removal proceedings, discretionary relief, claims of persecution, stays of removal, visa petitions, administrative fines, and bond and detention.

The majority of an Appellate Immigration Judge’s duties will be dedicated to the appellate work, but an Appellate Immigration Judge must also be qualified, and may be called upon, to conduct trial level proceedings in the role of an immigration judge.

Appellate Immigration Judges make decisions that are final, subject to appeal to the Federal courts. In connection with these proceedings, Appellate Immigration Judges exercise certain discretionary powers as provided by law and are required to exercise independent judgment in reaching final decisions.

Help Help

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.

Employment is contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation.

Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.

Moving and Relocation Expense are not authorized.

You must have relevant experience (see “Qualifications” below.)

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

If selected, you must file a financial disclosure statement in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

You must receive your Federal salary by Direct Deposit (to a financial institution of their choosing).

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the Appellate Immigration Judge position, applicants must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:

  • Education: Applicants must possess a LL.B., J.D., or LL.M. degree. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your degree and the name of the College or University from which it was conferred/awarded.)

AND

  • Licensure: Applicants must be an active member of the bar, duly licensed and authorized to practice law as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the U.S., or the District of Columbia. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your first license and the State from which it was issued.)

AND

  • Experience: Applicants must have seven (7) years of post-bar admission experience as a licensed attorney preparing for, participating in, and/or appealing formal hearings or trials involving litigation and/or administrative law at the Federal, State or local level. Qualifying litigation experience involves cases in which a complaint was filed with a court, or a charging document (e.g., indictment or information) was issued by a court, a grand jury, or appropriate military authority. Qualifying administrative law experience involves cases in which a formal procedure was initiated by a governmental administrative body.

NOTE: Qualifying experience is calculated from the date of your first admission to the bar.

In addition, successful applicants will have a strong combination of experience demonstrating that they will perform at the level of competence, impartiality, and professionalism expected of an Appellate Immigration Judge. For more information about relevant experience and knowledge, please see the “How You Will Be Evaluated” section.

Additional information

This is an Excepted Service position, subject to a probationary period. The initial appointment is for a period not to exceed 24 months. Conversion to a permanent position is contingent upon appointment by the Attorney General.

Additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Alternative work schedule options are available.

There is no formal rating system for applying veterans’ preference to Appellate Immigration Judge appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans’ preference eligibility as a positive factor in Appellate Immigration Judge hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans’ preference must claim their status when completing their application in the online application process and attach supporting documentation. (See “Required Documents” section.)

Conditions of Employment: Only U.S. Citizens or Nationals are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Dual citizens of the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ applicants, both U.S. Citizens and non-citizens, whose job location is with the United States, must meet the residency requirement. For a total of three (not necessarily consecutive years) of the five years immediately prior to applying for a position, the applicant must have: 1) resided in the United States; 2) worked for the United States overseas in a Federal or military capacity; or 3) been a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving oversees.

As the Federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Additional Information: The COVID-19 vaccination requirement for Federal employees pursuant to Executive Order 14043 does not currently apply. Some jobs, however, may be subject to agency- or job-specific vaccination requirements, so please review the job announcement for details. To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to Executive Order 14043, that requirement does not currently apply.

Read more

  • Benefits

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications stated above will be further evaluated to determine those who are best qualified. This determination will be based, in part, on the following Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs), which need to be addressed as part of the application package.

  1. Ability to demonstrate the appropriate temperament to serve as a judge. Appellate Immigration Judges need to possess traits such as compassion, decisiveness, open-mindedness, courtesy, patience, freedom from bias, and commitment to equal justice under the law. Additionally, individuals in this role are expected to exercise discretion, and articulate how that discretion is being exercised, in complex, sensitive, high-pressure and/or emotional situations. A strong candidate demonstrates excellent analytical, decision-making, and writing abilities.
  2. Litigation or adjudication experience, preferably in a high volume judicial or administrative context. Appellate Immigration Judges often must balance a variety of skills that can include managing a high volume of cases, drafting decisions, and reviewing an administrative record at the appellate level. It is vital that a candidate is able to manage a high-volume docket under tight deadlines without compromising quality.
  3. Experience conducting administrative hearings or adjudicating administrative cases. Appellate Immigration Judges are expected to decide difficult or complex issues, particularly those that impact people’s lives. Prior adjudication experience in other tribunals – Federal, state, local, military or other court systems – is ideal, however, adjudications experience may be drawn from non-courtroom settings. For candidates who have limited adjudications experience, significant litigation experience before EOIR or extensive litigation experience in settings comparable to an immigration court setting may be considered.
  4. Experience handling complex legal issues. Immigration law often involves handling complex legal issues. This role requires being able to work through complicated fact patterns and issues, novel areas of the law, as well as learning, adapting to, and incorporating changes in the law.
  5. Knowledge of immigration laws and procedures. In this role, depth and/or volume of immigration law experience is important. Candidates should have meaningful experience applying complex immigration law, which can include representing non-citizens or the Federal government in matters involving complex or diverse immigration laws, adjudicating immigration matters, legislative or administrative advocacy on immigration policy issues, academic or clinical experience, and other similar work that involves routine analysis and application of immigration law.

Help Help

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/12/2024, the closing date of this announcement, which includes:

  1. Your Resume documenting seven (7) years experience since being admitted to the bar.
  2. A complete online Assessment Questionnaire.
  3. Document(s)addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) listed above.
  4. A Writing Sample demonstrating your ability to author legal documents (10 pages, maximum; an excerpt of a longer document is acceptable).
  5. Current or former Federal employees must provide copies of their most recent and their latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
  6. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable:
    • Veterans’ Preference Documentation: Although the veterans’ preference point system does not apply to this position, we accept preference claims and adjudicate such claims per the documentation provided. Note: If claiming 5-point veterans’ preference, include a DD-214 or statement of service. If claiming 10-point veterans’ preference, include an SF-15 and documentation required by that form, VA or military letter dated 1991 or later, and DD-214.
    • Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.

Tips for your resume:

  • Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information.
  • Each position listed on your resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name; position title; Federal grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed.
  • In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.

Tips for addressing QRFs:

  • Applicants should use narrative form to address each of the five (5) QRFs. They must be written in a separate document indicating the by-number of the specific QRF being addressed.
  • Successful applicants will address all of the QRFs. If you do not have the specific experience addressed in a QRF, we encourage you to write about a similar skill, ability, knowledge, or experience.
  • Applicants should be thorough in addressing each QRF. This includes:
    • Approximate number of cases or matters handled in a given period of time.
    • Applicant’s specific role (e.g., adjudicator, first chair, co-counsel, responsible for the written brief only, etc.).
    • Length of time involved in a given role (e.g., lead counsel in 20 immigration proceedings in 10 years).
    • Specific examples of the types of cases (asylum application, pleas, settlement, bench trial, jury trial, etc.).
    • The number of court and/or administrative appearances made in those cases.
    • The case dispositions (ruling on the merits, plea or similar resolution, settlement, trial, jury trial, etc.).

Failure to submit the documents listed above with your application package will result in your application package being removed from consideration.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help Help

How to Apply

You must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (EST) on 04/12/2024, the closing date of the announcement.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  • Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  • To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

Read more

Agency contact information

Shenita Gibbons Shenita Gibbons

Email

Shenita.Gibbons@usdoj.gov

Address

Board of Immigration Appeals

5107 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22041

US

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

We will evaluate the qualifications and eligibility of all applicants, and then assess those who meet the minimum qualifications. All candidates who meet all the minimum requirements will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration. We will notify you of the final outcome after all of these steps have been completed.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Apply

Print Print

Share Share

Save

Help Help

Overview

  • Accepting applications
  • Open & closing dates
    Opening and closing dates 03/13/2024 to 04/12/2024
  • Salary
    $156,924 – $204,000 per year
  • Pay scale & grade
    IJ 00
  • Location
    1 vacancy in the following location:

    • Falls Church, VAFalls Church, VA
  • Remote job
    No
  • Telework eligible
    Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
  • Travel Required
    50% or less – You may be expected to travel for this position.
  • Relocation expenses reimbursed
    No
  • Appointment type
    Permanent –
  • Work schedule
    Full-time –
  • Service
    Excepted
  • Promotion potential
    00
  • Job family (Series)
    0905 Attorney
  • Supervisory status
    No
  • Security clearance
    Not Required
  • Drug test
    Yes
  • Position sensitivity and risk
    High Risk (HR)
  • Trust determination process
    Credentialing
  • Announcement number
    DE-12329429-24-SG
  • Control number
    781350500

Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called “Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army”. Escape will cancel and close the window.

Learn more about

Executive Office for Immigration Review

If you are interested in a rewarding and challenging career, this is the position for you!

The Executive Office for Immigration Review seeks highly-qualified individuals to join our team of expert professionals in becoming a part of our challenging and rewarding Agency. The primary mission of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is to adjudicate immigration cases by fairly, expeditiously, and uniformly interpreting and administering the Nation’s immigration laws. Under delegated authority from the Attorney General, EOIR conducts immigration court proceedings, appellate reviews, and administrative hearings. EOIR consists of three adjudicatory components: The Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, which is responsible for managing the Immigration Courts where Immigration Judges adjudicate individual cases; the Board of Immigration Appeals, which primarily conducts appellate reviews of these Immigration Judge decisions; and the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, which adjudicates immigration-related employment cases.

Agency contact information

Shenita Gibbons Shenita Gibbons

Email

Shenita.Gibbons@usdoj.gov

Address

Board of Immigration Appeals

5107 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22041

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it’s like to work at Executive Office for Immigration Review, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/

Close

Return to top

**********************

Yes, EOIR is a mess! But, it’s not going to get any better without better judges, particularly at the BIA which sets precedents and should (even if it now doesn’t) maintain nationwide consistency among Immigration Judges and articulate and implement “best judicial practices.”

Quite disappointingly and outrageously, the Biden Administration and A.G. Garland have failed to “clean house” and bring long overdue due process and judicial reforms to EOIR. So, the NDPA will have to go about it “the old-fashioned way:” one judicial vacancy at a time!

What if we had a BIA that:

  • Believed due process and fundamental fairness are “job one;”
  • Insured correctness and quality over “generating numbers;”
  • Institutionalized protection, not rote rejection, of asylum seekers;
  • Built on past precedents for properly generous treatment of asylum seekers like INS v. Cardoza-Fonseca, Matter of Mogharrabi, and Matter of Kasinga, rather than ignoring, or looking for artificial ways to limit them;
  • Issued precedents insuring early identification and consistent granting of many current and repetitive asylum applications;
  • Looked for ways to simplify, rather than overcomplicate and obfuscate, legal guidance;
  • Had “zero tolerance” for anti-immigrant, anti-asylum, racial, gender, and other biases among Immigration Judges (e.g., no more “asylum free zones”);
  • Refused to allow the Immigraton Court system to be misused and abused as a “deterrent” or “an adjunct of DHS Enforcement;”
  • Developed and enforced “best judicial practices;”
  • Prioritized facilitating pro bono representation as a key element of due process;
  • Aspired to make the “former vision of EOIR” — “through teamwork and innovation be the world’s best administrative tribunals guaranteeing fairness and due process for all” — a reality, rather than a cruel hoax!

Of course, one judge can’t do it all! But, there are plenty of great judges in the current EOIR system, at both levels, who need reenforcement and reaffirmation! Rebuilding the EOIR system so that it is a real, due-process-oriented, subject-matter-expert court that insures justice — rather than institutionalizing injustice — has to start somewhere! Fixing EOIR would also help save the entire faltering Federal Judicial system.

If the NDPA doesn’t do it, who will? Certainly not Biden, Harris, Garland or their minions— or at to least not without being pushed from within and dragged kicking and screaming from without.

Waiting for Godot
Waiting for Godot (a/k/a Merrick Garland) to fix EOIR isn’t going to cut it!
Naseer’s Motley Group in The Rose Bowl
Merlaysamuel
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
Waiting for Godot in Doon School.jpg Copy
[[File:Waiting for Godot in Doon School.jpg|Waiting_for_Godot_in_Doon_School]]
Copy
December 8, 2011
So, don’t “wait for Godot” to fix this broken system! Clue: He’s not coming! Get those applications in now!

Better judges for a better America! Sooner, rather than later!

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

03-15-24

⚖️🗽 TGIF:  “Thank Goodness It’s (Five Immigration Things on a) Friday” — From Professor Austin Kocher @ Substack!

Austin Kocher, Ph.D.
Austin Kocher, Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
TRAC-Syracuse
PHOTO: Syracuse U.

https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=80027&post_id=142434213&utm_source=post-email-title&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1se78m&token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoxMDgxNTc5OTAsInBvc3RfaWQiOjE0MjQzNDIxMywiaWF0IjoxNzA5OTM1MzU1LCJleHAiOjE3MTI1MjczNTUsImlzcyI6InB1Yi04MDAyNyIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ.mUNqwD2zV_1Nm3R_LsiIzbFJ-sb2im3l_E6zFUUoLzY

Welcome back, friends. To celebrate the end of the week and the start of the weekend, I am sending you my personal list of Five Things You Might Have Missed. For this issue, I draw from my bucket of many (many) things that I read or saw during the week and share them with you.

  1. Justice Department Silences Immigration Judges
  2. Biden Refers to Immigrants as “Illegals”
  3. How Does Asylum Work Right Now?
  4. The Migrant’s Journey by Adam Isacson
  5. Talking About Immigration in an Election Year

. . . . .

*****************************

Thanks, my friend! 🙏 Read Austin’s complete rundown at the above link!

My favorite quote is from John Washington’s article, #3 on Austin’s list:

In fiscal year 2023, 99.5 percent of all people whose asylum cases were decided by immigration judges showed up to court for their hearings, according to data compiled by Human Rights First. Unlike citizens, people seeking asylum are not entitled to attorneys at government expense. That means that people either pay out of pocket, find willing attorneys to help them pro-bono, or represent themselves in court. According to a January report, only 30% of people in removal proceedings — which means the government is trying to deport them — are represented by attorneys. A 2023 study from Migration Policy Institute shows that having representation improves efficiency, lowers the costs of public resources expended and, for the migrants in court, decreases their chances of being deported.

“The immigration system has been pretty broken— backlogged and needing reform — for 20 years,” [Yael] Schacher [Director of Americas and Europe for Refugees International] said.

Though there are major delays, the overwhelming majority of asylum-seekers follow the system as it is currently functioning, Schacher said.

Yael Schacher
Yael Schacher
Historian
Director of Americas & Europe for Refugees International

Not only does this cogently refute the restrictionist myth of asylum seekers “gaming” the system, peddled by politicos of both parties yet primarily a GOP talking point, but it points to what should be the real target of reform! Obviously, what’s actually needed here is professionalization, quality control, innovation, increased staffing, and, perhaps most of all, dynamic, expert, due-process focused leadership in the USG’s asylum adjudication and resettlement programs, with a focus on dramatically increasing representation and orientation resources!

Instead, politicos and pundits focus on eliminating the system, rather than fixing it! It’s basically a cowardly attempt to “destroy evidence” of USG misfeasance and incompetence! At the same time, it would unfairly punish the victims of our Government’s systemic failures.

The political response by both parties is totally irresponsible (not to mention immoral) as well as demonstrably unworkable. Yet, so-called “mainstream media” figures are so ill-informed and disinterested in the human trauma and realities of asylum, migration, and the border, that they present the one-sided, nativist nonsense spouted by both parties as a “debate.” It isn’t! Neither party is interested in actually fixing the problems at the border — just in finger-pointing, posturing, and shifting blame for perceived political gain!

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

03-09-24

🤯 CATHERINE RAMPELL @ WASHPOST: BIDEN IS FAR, FAR, FAR BETTER THAN TRUMP ON THE ECONOMY BY ANY OBJECTIVE MEASURE — TRUMP’S “PLATFORM” — INCLUDING ATTACKING MIGRANTS — WOULD BOOST INFLATION & IMPEDE ECONOMIC GROWTH! — “Wait until you see what [deporting the workforce] does to produce prices.”

Catherine Rampell
Catherine Rampell
Opinion Columnist
Washington Post
PHOTO: Linkedin

Catherine writes:

. . . .

Perhaps most distressing for Democrats, when survey respondents are asked to rate Biden against the likely GOP presidential nominee, Biden fares poorly.

They remember the economy under Trump as being much better than the economy is today, CBS polling found. The last year of Trump’s presidency, when unemployment reached its highest level since the Great Depression, apparently doesn’t count, or has been forgotten.

Voters are also more than twice as likely to say that Trump’s policies helped them personally as they are about Biden’s work, the New York Times-Siena poll found.

And when asked whether a second term from either candidate would lead prices to go up or down, voters are more than twice as likely to believe Trump would push prices down as they are for Biden, per the CBS poll.

This is astounding. Leaving aside the faulty premise of that question — the overall price level almost never goes down; it merely rises more slowly — Trump’s policy agenda would likely worsen inflation. Why? Consider his main economic proposals:

• An additional 10 percent tax on all global imports, plus 60 percent on Chinese goods. As I’ve cited before, four separate studies found that the costs of Trump’s prior tariffs were borne mostly or entirely by Americans via higher prices.

• A reduction in the labor supply by slashing levels of both illegal and legal immigration. For instance, Trump would not only deport much of the agricultural workforce that’s undocumented; he also plans to dismantle the visa program that allows seasonal agricultural workers to come here legally. Wait until you see what that does to produce prices.

• Expansions of the federal deficit through more unfunded cuts to corporate and capital gains taxes (both of which disproportionately affect higher earners). Federal spending would likely rise, too, based on Trump’s (pre-pandemic) record.

• Kneecapping the Federal Reserve, the politically independent agency tasked with maintaining price stability.

Whatever you think of Biden’s record on inflation — and I have some grumbles, mostly related to Biden’s refusal to reverse his predecessor’s policies — each of Trump’s proposed measures would make inflation worse on the margin.

Don’t take my word for it. Analysts at Evercore ISI, an investment banking firm, recently analyzed the first three items above and forecast that another Trump term (relative to another Biden term) would likely require higher interest rates to counteract inflationary pressures. Likewise, Goldman Sachs Economic Research recently wrote a note to clients warning that the potential politicization of the Fed under another Trump administration would raise inflation risks.

Trump has claimed that economic and financial improvements thus far (including record-high stock markets under Biden) are because of his influence, or at least anticipation of his return. This is ludicrous, yet a large portion of the public seems receptive to this message — amnesiac about how he ended his presidency and blissfully unaware of what he’d do if granted another term.

This should be a wake-up call for journalists, who must do a better job of explaining the policy choices Americans face. It’s also a warning for voters, who must think through those choices more critically.

*******************

Read Catherine’s full column at the link.

It appears that many of those polled don’t WANT to understand the realities of the economy. They prefer to regurgitate fictional “sound bites” fed to them by MAGA and the media!☹️ 

That Biden is head and shoulders above Trump on the economy should be little surprise despite “popular myths” and “false narratives” of GOP economic success. Historically, “By virtually every objective measure, Democrats do better. It’s not even close. So why doesn’t America know it?” https://newrepublic.com/article/166274/economy-record-republicans-vs-democrats.

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

03-07-24

⚖️ 25 TIPS FOR JUDICIAL LAW CLERKS

Hon. Kuyomars “Q” Golparvar
Hon. Kuyomars “Q” Golparvar
U.S. Immigration Judge
Baltimore, MD
Adjunct Professor of Law
GW Law
PHOTO: GW Law

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking to Judge/Professor “Q” Golparvar’s class on “Legal Drafting for Future Judicial Law Clerks” at GW Law. Here’s my list of tips that’s I discussed with that class:

NOTES FOR JLC CLASS

1) “Make me look smart” (please)

2)  Know and respect the difference between Judge & JLC

3)  Learn your Judge’s style and persona, likes, and “pet peeves”

4)  Know and write for your audience

5) Use outlines if possible

6) Write clearly, succinctly, to the point 

7) Use “active voice” — if your Judge is OK with it

8) Avoid boilerplate, legalisms, and “string citations”

9) Read the cases you cite

10) Be meticulously accurate — know where every “fact” in the fact-finding section came from and double check it

11)  Be respectful to parties, counsel, witnesses, and especially court clerks and other support personnel

12) Avoid stereotypical references

13) Follow “Bluebook” or whatever modified citation system your court uses

14) Don’t be afraid to ask

15) Know and follow applicable precedent

16) Yell before your Judge walks off a cliff

17) Accept criticism with grace, goodwill, and appreciation

18) Be a student and a teacher

19) Never miss a deadline without giving advance notice and asking permission

20) Write “from the issue”

21) Incorporate helpful material and arguments from the parties that the Judge agrees with

22) Proofread, proofread, proofread, and then proofread again

23) Respect confidentiality and ethics

24) Be a good “sounding board”

25) Why I love JLCs, how they changed my court experience for the better, and why they enhance due process!  

*****************************

This was a great class. It reminded me of all the great JLCs and interns who worked at the “Legacy” Arlington Immigration and my former students at Georgetown Law, many of whom have gone on to leadership positions working for social justice, including some who are now Immigration Judges. 

It also reminded me of this article by Nicholas Bednar about how providing a JLC for each Immigration Judge would improve quality and produce better results for respondents and asylum seekers at EOIR. https://immigrationcourtside.com/2022/08/31/%E2%98%A0%EF%B8%8F%E2%9A%96%EF%B8%8Ffailng-justice-immigration-judges-%F0%9F%91%A9%F0%9F%8F%BD%E2%9A%96%EF%B8%8F-need-individual-law-clerks-not-more-falls-church-bureaucracy-failed/.

While there has been progress in some courts, others remain far below the optimal 1:1 ratio of IJs to JLCs, some far below, as ridiculous as 8:1! Garland has failed to “harvest this low hanging fruit” in improving the quality of justice in his courts!

Congress and the Administration spend billions on cruel and ineffective immigration enforcement. Yet, they fail to invest the much more modest amounts that would improve the quality of justice for immigrants! It’s a national disgrace that somehow “flies below the radar screen” of the media and political pundits!

Thanks again to Judge/Professor Q for inviting me, for teaching the next generation, and for your career in “applied scholarship!”

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-25-24

🇺🇸😎 “Fueled by Passion: Immigrant Entrepreneurs’ Path to Prosperity” — Another Timely PSA From Diane Harrison

Image: Freepik

Fueled by Passion: Immigrant Entrepreneurs’ Path to Prosperity

 By Diane Harrison

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey in a new country offers both promise and unique challenges. This guide from Immigration Courtside aims to steer you through the complexities of starting a business as an immigrant. It ensures you are fully equipped to transform your vision into a thriving enterprise.

Deciphering the Local Market Landscape

Your first step is to become intimately familiar with the local market. This involves more than just a cursory glance at consumer behaviors. Dive deep to uncover the nuances of customer needs, preferences, and the gaps in the market. Analyzing competitors and identifying emerging trends will also provide valuable insights. This thorough understanding will guide the development of products or services that truly resonate with your target audience.

Creating Your Business Blueprint

With insights in hand, it’s time to draft your business blueprint. This comprehensive plan outlines your business goals, target market, product or service offerings, pricing strategy, and marketing approaches. It also includes detailed financial projections to validate the economic viability of your venture. This document is crucial for attracting investors and serves as a roadmap for your business’s growth.

Ensuring Financial Health

Financial mastery is critical for your business’s success. Start by establishing a robust budget and exploring funding options that align with your business phase and needs. Whether through personal savings, loans, or seeking investors, securing the right funding is the first step toward financial stability. Equally important is the rigorous tracking of all expenses to avoid the pitfalls of financial mismanagement.

Streamlining Your Paperwork

In the realm of business, organized documentation is your best ally. Keeping your business documents orderly, current, and readily accessible can significantly streamline operations. Converting documents to PDFs ensures consistent formatting across various devices and operating systems, facilitating easy sharing and storage. Moreover, when the need arises for you to combine PDF files, utilizing a PDF merging tool can simplify document management, keeping your focus on business growth.

Networking and Mentorship

Entrepreneurship is a journey best navigated with the support of mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs. These connections offer a wealth of knowledge, emotional support, and networking opportunities. Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals can provide guidance through the entrepreneurial landscape, especially for immigrants facing unique challenges.

Fostering Resilience and Positivity

The entrepreneurial path is inherently challenging, punctuated by setbacks and obstacles. For immigrants, these challenges can be magnified. Cultivating resilience, patience, and a positive mindset is essential for overcoming these hurdles. These traits enable you to view failures as learning opportunities, maintaining momentum toward your goals despite the obstacles.

Embracing Digital Innovation

In today’s digital age, an online presence is indispensable. A professional website and active social media engagement can dramatically extend your reach, connecting you with a wider audience. These digital platforms are essential for building your brand, engaging with customers, and establishing a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.

Selecting the Right Legal Structure

The choice of legal structure is a foundational decision for your business. An LLC (limited liability company) is often favored by small business owners due to its flexibility, tax benefits, and limited liability protection. Whether you choose to navigate this process independently or with professional assistance, understanding the implications of your choice is crucial for the legal and financial well-being of your business.

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey as an immigrant is a bold step toward realizing your dreams. This guide lays out the essential steps to building a successful business, from understanding the local market to selecting the right legal structure to creating a document management system. With determination, resilience, and the right strategies, you can overcome the unique challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs and establish a thriving business that contributes to your new community.

NOTE: This PSA is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Business and tax regulations vary from state to state and within local jurisdictions. You should consult a business lawyer and a qualified financial advisor before starting a business. 

*******************

Thanks, Diane!

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-24-24

👂LISTEN UP BIDEN CAMPAIGN & DEMS: A DYNAMIC LATINA LEADER 🦸🏽‍♀️ HAS THE FORMULA FOR SUCCESS ✌️ON IMMIGRATION IN 2024: SEQUENCE, SOOTH, SATURATE, & SWAY! — Read & Listen To Beatriz Lopez Here! 

Beatriz Lopez
Beatriz Lopez
Deputy Director
Immigration Hub
PHOTO: Immigration Hub

From The Narrative Intervention on Substack:

Last week, I listened to Ezra Klein ruffle feathers with his provocative, “strategic” advice to Democrats to choose a different presidential nominee that isn’t President Biden. I found his reasoning to be redundant and just another taunt in the vein of what Jon Stewart and other pundits are saying about Biden. What did perk my ears was his short crescendo into the qualities of Vice President Kamala Harris before he lazily landed on his novel advice:

She’s enormously magnetic and compelling. Her challenge will be translating that into her public persona, which is, let’s be blunt about this. A hard thing to do when you’ve grown up in a world that has always been quick to find your faults. A world that is afraid of women being angry of black people being angry. A world where for most of your life it was demanded of you that you be cautious and careful and measured and never make a mistake. And then you get on the public stage and people say, oh, you’re too cautious and too careful and too measured. It’s a very, very, very hard bind to get out of. But maybe she can do it still. It is a party’s job to organize victory.

Klein ends this wonderful reflection with a careless – and let’s be frank – a typical white man move, “If Harris cannot convince delegates that she’s the best shot at victory, she should not and probably would not be chosen.” He later continues his monologue by mentioning a series of other Democrats with résumés that pale in comparison to the VP’s long list of career achievements and experiences.

Oh Ezra. What could’ve been. Progressive white man allyship is like puppy love – it ends when they become dogs.

It’s nothing new for us women of color to deal with men who think they know better and who often fail to recognize the merits and the knowledge that comes from years of diligently doing the work, putting triple the effort, ensuring near perfection, meeting goals, and delivering beyond the standard metrics. It’s a frustration I know all too well.

And look, I’m not saying all white men fall into the Ezra Klein category. There are a few good men – those that stick out their neck for you, who vouch for you and take a step back, who are true friends in the battle. To them, I’m grateful.

But for the most part, we have to deal with the Ezras. Today, I want to focus on three grievances so that I may elevate three women who are telling Democrats how we can win in 2024.

1. Vice President Harris. This spectacular woman who has probably the most thankless job in the country has persevered despite the sexist and racist punditry. She took on the most difficult portfolio of dealing with forced migration and investing in the region. And let me tell you, as a Nicaraguan-American, Central and South American politics is ridiculously complicated, tough and heartbreaking, and still the VP has managed to get millions upon millions of dollars in philanthropy and big business to invest in the region. She spearheaded all kinds of programs in the region to elevate women in business and young people in service. But you don’t hear any of that – or what she’s done and meant to Dreamers, youth, and the LBGTQI+ and Black communities.

While white Democratic operatives warn about losing the Black and Latino men vote, the VP has been working on actually addressing the matter. Not until this Sunday did you probably hear about the VP’s “quiet” meetings with a diverse set of electeds and experts. With her seasoned and smart campaign staff (including Sergio Gonzales) and Julie Rodriguez Chavez, she’s doing the work, strategizing and devising solutions.

This is what women of color do best – ignore the naysayers and get shit done. Every Democratic operative should be lifting the VP and her efforts up, instilling confidence in Democrats and pundits that the VP is strengthening the campaign and showing the public that our VP is the best veep we’ve had in over a century.

It’s with the VP we all rise.

2. Julie Chávez Rodriguez. I have long admired Julie from afar and up close. She embodies the characteristics of the few Latinas in Washington politics – smart, hard-working, strategic, persistent and authentic. She’s not defined by her grandfather’s legacy; she’s defined her own present and future with a committed love to our country and civil service. And yet, you get the sense through beltway rumors, leaks and hot takes that a class of establishment operatives and government officials from yesteryears are either gunning for her failure or humoring the token Latina. Unacceptable.

This mountain-mover has a long history of hustling and delivering on promises. From leading campaigns to working in two administrations, Julie has ensured Democrats invest in the Latino vote and immigrant communities when no one was willing, while strategizing and organizing to advance progressive measures empowering American working families. As Biden’s campaign manager, she has raised more funds than Trump and any candidate in any race.

Despite the comms person in me wanting her to lean into the spotlight, Julie doesn’t seek the James Carville limelight or approach this job as a lucrative ticket to cable punditry or podcasting. She’s doing the job because she believes in civic duty and good governance, she knows what it takes, and she has a strategy to win.

In Julie I trust, and so should you.

3. This last spot is a bit uncomfortable, but – screw it – I’m going to talk about me. Yes, me! For the past seven years, I’ve been telling Democrats that they can’t ignore immigration as a political galvanizer. I’ve led polling, focus groups, message and ad testing, and advertising campaigns in battleground states, and I’m not talking about one and done – nope, I’ve run all of the aforementioned countless times.

And because of my research and what I’ve learned from other partner organizations’ findings, I developed a messaging formula: acknowledge the system is broken, socialize a balanced approach to fixing it (i.e. don’t go Trump-lite; stress humane and orderly border security + pathway to citizenship), relate to voters with shared American values and center the economic contributions of immigrants, and counterattack Republicans, highlighting their extreme rhetoric and record.

Sound familiar? Does it sound like something Senator Chris Murphy may have recently written about or Tom Suozzi may have employed in his campaign? Yup. I guess, I should be glad that white men have validated my strategy to win.

But like I often tell my team – deep breaths and keep your eyes on the prize. Here’s the thing, the most important aspect of my messaging formula is saturation. Going on offense means repeating and delivering the message wherever a persuadable may roam. They need to see Trump and Republicans as foils to Biden and Democrats, and that means employing immigration to make the contrast that Democrats have advanced and pushed for popular solutions that don’t separate families and instead restore order and create opportunities for hard-working immigrants to stay and work in the country they proudly call home.

See? It’s not hard to implement the formula or write such an ad. If most Democratic campaigns targeted immigration ads to persuadable voters with as much gusto as they do on economy-focused ads, I’d bet money they’d see a shift in the polls. I know, I’ve done it before (even written numerous memos on how it can work).

To win in 2024, President Biden and Democrats have to start listening to women of color.

And on this critical issue of immigration, I’m telling you that neither the VP, Julie or I would ever ignore the power of the American dream. So yes, do what Congress failed to do: take action to manage migration at the border with grit and radical empathy AND widen the path to citizenship through administrative action so that Dreamers and other immigrants can continue to thrive without the fear of deportation or Trump. Then, deliver the message to Americans – on repeat.

In case you’re still here… check out how I explain the messaging strategy to win on immigration:

pastedGraphic.png

Share

*******************

I highly encourage you to hit the “share button” above and listen to Beatriz’s inspiring and “spot on” 3-minute video in which she succinctly and cogently sets forth her “4-S messaging strategy” on immigration in 2024: Sequence, Sooth, Saturate, and Sway!  Needless to say, Beatriz packs more useful information and values-inspired messaging into 3 minutes that most politicos do in a 30-minute “speech.” That’s one of many problems in today’s often-dehumanizing and intentionally off-point political “debate.”   

Dems must pay attention to what Beatriz is saying! You can’t “run away” from immigration in a nation of immigrants, nor should you!

You also can’t just point fingers at Trump and the GOP. You need realistic, humane, practical solutions (the delusional Miller Lite “close the border tomorrow” is not one of them). Folks will embrace immigration and asylum seekers, but they also want to see “order at the border” and in the resettlement process. To date, sadly, the Biden Administration has failed to lay out concrete, realistic plans for doing that — other than bombastic promises to to “out-Trump Trump” with a “Miller Lite” agenda of unrealistic promises and soft-pedaled cruelty!  

You can subscribe to Beatriz’s The Narrative Intervention on Substack. 

Also, Beatriz is the Chief Political and Communications Officer of  The Immigration Hub. 

If you are inspired by her message and commitment, they are looking for a Manager of Federal Advocacy to join their stellar Leg/Policy Team.  Sounds like a great NDPA opportunity with a great team that “walks the walk” when it comes to due process and equal justice for all persons in America!

Here’s the application information:

The Immigration Hub is seeking a stellar candidate to join our Leg/Policy team as the Manager of Federal Advocacy. We’re a smart and strategic organization that loves to empower young leaders who see themselves working in the halls of Congress or driving change in our movement. If you or someone you know is interested, please apply via https://lnkd.in/ezcaFrdZ.

The Immigration Hub
The Immigration Hub Team

Become part of the solution, rather than just hand-wringing about the problem and blaming and threatening the victims! It’s NOT asylum seekers who have failed over decades to invest in and establish a robust, expert, timely, due-process-compliant, fundamentally fair process for adjudicating asylum claims and resettling asylees in an orderly and helpful manner!

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-21-24

👏 CORNELL LAW IMMIGRATION CLINICS ARE ON A LIFE-SAVING 🛟 ROLL! 🛼

Professor Stephen Yale-Loehr
Professor Stephen Yale-Loehr
Cornell Law

Two reports from Professor Stephen Yale-Loehr:

1)  Hi all: Our Cornell asylum appeals clinic recently won a difficult withholding/CAT case at the BIA.  On remand, the IJ granted CAT.  And the client won release through habeas. 

Pasted in below is a summary of the case. 

Kudos go to Eva Charles and Isaac Belenkiy, the two Cornell law students who worked on the case.  Even by the high standards of our clinic, they both went above and beyond for the client.  And as you will see from the summary, pro bono attorneys from Morrison Foerster and the public defender’s office also worked hard to get our client CAT protection and release from detention.  It takes a village to win immigration relief!    

The habeas decision is at 2023 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 173280.  The BIA decision is too big to attach.  If anyone wants it, please email me offline.  

Thanks, Steve Yale-Loehr

2023 Mexico Withholding and CAT Case Summary [IES]

Stephen Yale-Loehr, Evangeline Charles, Isaac Belenkiy

 

IES is a 41-year-old man from Mexico who first came to the U.S. when he was 18 years old. As a youth, IES joined a gang. He was arrested in 2005 for possessing a small quantity of drugs and was sentenced to four years in prison for “transporting drugs.” While in prison, IES defected from the gang and, following his release, was removed to Mexico in 2008. There, his tattooed physical appearance caught the attention of gangs and cartels like the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, who attacked him and his family, prompting him to relocate eight times within Mexico. Unable to find safety in Mexico, IES fled back to the United States in 2010. 

 

In 2022, IES was detained by ICE and held at the Golden State Annex (“GSA”), a private for-profit prison, in McFarland, CA. IES applied for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). The Immigration Judge (“IJ”) denied all forms of relief, finding that IES’s 2005 conviction was a “particularly serious crime” (“PSC”) that rendered him ineligible for asylum and withholding of removal. 

 

At this point, the Cornell asylum appeals clinic took on IES’s appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”). Our brief addressed two main issues: 1) IES warranted relief under withholding of removal because his 2005 conviction was not a PSC; and 2) the IJ erred in analyzing IES’s eligibility for CAT relief. 

 

For the PSC argument, we argued that the IJ improperly analyzed IES’s offense, ignored credible evidence that the drugs were for personal use, and instead relied on boilerplate sentencing documents. As a result, the IJ failed to analyze IES’s motivation and intent at the time of the offense. 

 

For the CAT argument, we focused on 6 errors: 1) the IJ failed to consider that IES’s prolonged mental pain would cause future torture; 2) the IJ did not consider future torture from gangs and cartels despite an expert saying this risk was at 80%; 3) the IJ failed to admit 400 pages of country conditions reports into evidence; 4) the IJ mischaracterized IES’s attempts to flee cartels 8 times as “relocation;” 5) the IJ did not think there was police acquiescence even though the police, the local Attorney General, and the judicial police ignored IES’s complaints; and 6) the IJ did not aggregate IES’s risk of torture. 

 

On June 16, 2023, the BIA sustained our appeal in IES’s favor and remanded the case back to the IJ. Notably, the BIA agreed with our PSC argument, the IJ’s failure to consider all evidence, and the IJ’s failure to aggregate IES’s risk of torture. 

 

After this, IES’s case was transferred to a public defender, who represented him on remand. The clinic team worked closely with the public defender’s office to transfer all files and get them up to speed on the case.

 

Parallel to our BIA filing, we participated in other advocacy efforts. While at GSA, IES participated in a labor strike in 2022 and a hunger strike in 2023. The aims of these protests were to draw attention to the abysmal conditions at private immigration detention facilities like GSA, to call for a minimum wage for detainee labor, and to demand safe and sanitary living conditions for detained migrants. The 2023 hunger strike was a coordinated effort by detainees and activists, supported by lawyers working for immigration justice. This protest resulted in a class action lawsuit on behalf of the detainees and the submission of release requests on behalf of individual detainees.  

 

During the protests at GSA, our team filed a release request for IES. Our request explained that IES should be released because he was neither a flight risk nor a danger to society. ICE denied the request. IES continued to participate in the hunger strike and was mistreated by ICE personnel and medical officers. This prompted our clinic to file complaints to ICE and DHS about this mistreatment, which violated ICE’s own regulations.  At the same time, we filed FOIA requests asking for IES’s detention, removal, and medical records. We decided to build a record of release requests to show administrative exhaustion so that IES can get a bond hearing. We also found a law firm (Morrison Foerster) to represent IES pro bono for a habeas corpus petition.

 

On September 27, 2023, the U.S. district court for the Northern District of California granted IES’s habeas petition on the grounds that “his prolonged detention without an individualized hearing violates his procedural due process rights.” A bond hearing was granted to IES. The government appealed this ruling, but their appeal was dismissed. 

 

In fall 2023, IES was released on bond. A week later, the IJ granted him protection under CAT. IES is now back home with his wife and children. He can now get a work permit and cannot be deported to Mexico. 

 

In the triumph of IES’s journey from detention to liberation, our team found a beacon of hope and resilience. The hunger strikes, the legal battles, and the relentless pursuit of freedom for IES were not in vain. As our clinic celebrates his freedom, we are grateful to our partners—advocacy groups in California and lawyers and public defenders who provided advice and guidance on appeal and zealously advocated for IES on remand—and to IES’s family, who never stopped providing support and information despite their own personal struggles. 

 

The clinic’s fight for immigration justice is far from over, but IES’s triumph serves as inspiration to press onward and advocate for other clients who are plagued by inequities in our immigration system.

2) Asylum granted! 

Beginning in spring 2023, a group of thirteen 1L and advanced Immigration Law & Advocacy Clinic students worked tirelessly to file individual asylum applications for a family from Afghanistan. The clients had their interviews in April, and the clinic just received the good news that the requests were approved. Congratulations to the team!

 

Part of the legal team is pictured here (from left): Katie Rahmlow ’23, client, client, Don Izekor, Esq. ’23, Alisa Whitfield, interpreter Hamid Rezaee (CIS ’26), Jaclyn Kelley-Widmer, client, Amy Godshall ’23.

 

Not pictured: Deborah Morales ’25, Oscar F. Ruiz ’25, Nathaniel Squires ’25, Rodrigo Tojo Garcia ’25, Aaliyah Channer ’25, Yubin “Lucy” Oh ’25, Arina Gorokhovska ’25, Miriam Mars ’24, Tori Staley ’23, Jared Flanery ’23.

Cornell Law Life Savers

*****************************

Congrats to the “next wave” of the relentless NDPA! 

These are outstanding examples of why claims that unrepresented individuals receive constitutionally-required due process in Immigration Court are absolute poppycock! They also illustrate why responsible legislators and policy makers should be investing in representation rather than just spending wildly and fruitlessly on “gonzo” immigration enforcement.

No single nation, no matter how rich and powerful, can unilaterally change 21st century worldwide patterns of forced migration, which is what is generating the humanitarian situation at our Southern Border. But, we can more effectively address due process issues in our Immigration Courts, the “retail level” of the U.S. justice system! 

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

O2-20-24

🇺🇸🗽🥰 AMERICA, THE LEGACY OF IMMIGRANTS: DIANE HARRISON’S THOUGHTS ON HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR IMPACT!

Image via Freepik
Image via Freepik

Strategies for  Immigrants Leaving a Lasting Legacy That Endures Through Generations

By Diane Harrison

Courtside Exclusive

February 14, 2024

In life’s journey, the aspiration to leave a mark that resonates through generations is a common thread that binds humanity. Immigrants, in particular, face unique challenges and opportunities in crafting legacies.

The essence of your journey, enriched by diverse cultures and experiences, offers unparalleled potential to influence the world positively. Embracing this potential requires intentional actions and decisions that reflect your deepest values and aspirations. Below, immigrationcourtside.com shares more:

Manifesting Core Principles

You hold the power to mold your legacy through the daily embodiment of your core values. Let kindness, integrity, and generosity be the guiding principles of your actions. When lived out loud, these virtues serve as beacons that inspire those around you. Consistently demonstrating these qualities becomes the foundation upon which your legacy is built, ensuring that your influence endures through time.

Safeguarding Your Story

In today’s digital age, safeguarding your history and accomplishments is crucial. Take the time to digitize important documents to protect them from physical degradation and ensure they remain accessible for generations. Converting these files into PDFs helps maintain their integrity across various platforms and means you can share them quickly and securely.

Use a straightforward drag-and-drop tool to crop and resize pages (this deserves a look). Take this essential step to preserve the narratives and achievements that define your legacy.

Cultivating Meaningful Connections

The strength and depth of your relationships reflect the essence of your legacy. Foster meaningful connections with family, friends, and community members. These bonds are the fabric of your legacy, weaving together a network of support and love that mirrors your values. Through these relationships, you create a living legacy of warmth and support that resonates well beyond your immediate circle.

Passing on Wisdom and Expertise

Your knowledge and skills are invaluable gifts that can significantly impact others. Sharing your expertise not only helps others grow but also cements your legacy as someone who contributes to the advancement of others. Whether mentoring the younger generation or volunteering your time for those in need, these acts of generosity amplify your legacy, making a lasting difference in the world.

Leading with Ethical Integrity in Business

In business, nurturing a lasting legacy involves a steadfast commitment to ethical standards. Constructing an enterprise that mirrors your core values fosters a more equitable marketplace and sets a precedent for others to emulate.

Delve into the advantages of establishing an LLC, including limited liability, tax benefits, streamlined paperwork, and heightened flexibility. Guiding the formation process and evading exorbitant legal fees through self-filing or utilizing a formation service demonstrates a dedication to prudence and resourceful decision-making.

Advocating for What Matters

Your support for causes close to your heart extends the reach of your legacy far beyond your personal sphere. Whether through financial donations, advocacy, or hands-on involvement, your engagement in these causes leaves an indelible mark. This commitment to making a difference embodies the essence of a legacy that transcends time and geography, cementing your role as a catalyst for change.

Launching Enduring Ventures

Embark on endeavors that mirror your passions and beliefs, be it through a business venture, community project, or artistic expression. These initiatives are monuments to your dedication and vision, reflecting your unique contributions to the world. Such endeavors enrich your legacy and inspire others to pursue their passions with similar fervor and commitment.

Ensuring a Lasting Foundation

Ensuring your financial and legal affairs are in order is fundamental to legacy building. Proper management of wills, trusts, and other legal documents guarantees that your assets support your loved ones and the causes you cherish, even in your absence. This foresight and planning ensure that your legacy’s impact is felt long after you departed, offering future generations support and opportunities.

Your choices and values are pivotal in building a lasting legacy. As an immigrant, your diverse experiences present a unique opportunity to shape a legacy that transcends cultures and time. By embodying your values, preserving your heritage, and making meaningful contributions, you can leave a lasting impact that inspires others for generations to come.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content at immigrationcourtside.com!

*******************

There is so much misinformation, misdirection, ignorance, and hate out there these days. Since we are indisputably “a nation of immigrants,” it’s really a bizarre form of “self loathing” promoted by the GOP and embraced by a disturbing number of our fellow citizens.

That’s why my day always gets brighter when one of these thoughtful, helpful, encouraging, informative, and well-written PSAs from my friend Diane Harrison appears in my “Courtside inbox!” As always, thanks Diane for reminding us who we are and what we can achieve if we work together to welcome, value, cherish, assimilate, and maximize the opportunities and values of human migration — the most ancient and inevitable phenomenon in human history!

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-14-24

🧐 GW LAW PROF ALBERTO BENITEZ AMONG EXPERTS REFUTING GOP FALSE CLAIM 🤥 THAT BIDEN CURRENTLY CAN “CLOSE THE BORDER!” 🚫

“NDPA Hall of Famer” GW Law Immigration Clinic Director Professor Alberto Benítez & Co-Director Professor Paulina Vera

 

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2024/02/06/president-biden-authority-border-shutdown-

Reena Diamante reports for the Spectrum News El Paso:

. . . .

“A president doesn’t have the unilateral authority to shut down the border. If a president did, the prior president would have done it,” said Alberto Benitez, director of the Immigration Clinic at George Washington University Law School. “Even the prior president, who had a particular perspective on immigration, never shut down the border. There needs to be buy-in from Congress that a border shutdown is necessary, which there never has been.”

. . . .

***********************

You can read the full article at the link.

Professor Benitez modestly quipped that this was: “My five seconds of fame on Spectrum News!”

You are always in the “NDPA Hall of Fame,” my friend!

🇺🇸Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-10-24

📚PROFESSOR IBRIM X. KENDI: Why Black History Is So Important & Why The White Nationalists Suppress The Truth!

Professor Ibrim X. Kendi
Professor Ibrim X. Kendi
Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities
Boston University
PHOTO: Linkedin

Professor Kendi writes on LinkedIn:

To preserve slavery, enslavers claimed slavery was “positively good” and that abolitionists were making up the terror and exploitation of slavery. To preserve Jim Crow, segregationists claimed public accommodations and institutions were “separate but equal” and that civil rights activists were making up all the racial inequity and injustice. To preserve racism today, the ideological descendants of enslavers and segregationists are claiming that the U.S. is a “colorblind” society and antiracist intellectuals and activists are making up all the racial inequity and injustice. As they strive to preserve racism, we must strive to recognize and combat these repackaged ideas by deepening our understanding of history. Making this #BlackHistoryMonth all the more critical. 👊🏿

Dr. Kendi is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University, and the director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research. He is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a CBS News racial justice contributor. 

****************

Lots of power and truth in five sentences. Let’s celebrate Black History Month by embracing and understanding what right wing politicos don’t want you to know about our nation, how we got to where we are today, and how we can finally achieve the long-unfulfilled promise of “equal justice for all!”

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-06-24

⚖️🗽🌟👏 🦸🏻‍♀️🎖️CONGRATS TO NDPA SUPERSTAR CAMILLE J. MACKLER ON BEING NAMED A 92ND STREET Y WOMEN inPOWER FELLOW! 

Camille J. Mackler
Camille J. Mackler
Executive Director
Immigrant ARC
PHOTO: JustSecurity

Camille writes on LinkedIn:

I’m beyond excited to be able to finally share that I was selected to be part of this year’s 92nd Street Y Women inPower fellowship!

I’m looking forward to a year of learning, connecting, mentorship (something that so many women of my generation feel they missed out on) and growing within this incredible network of current and past fellows.

🌟 Exciting Announcement: Introducing our 2024 Women inPower Fellows! 🌟

Thrilled to share the news that we are welcoming a new cohort of dynamic and accomplished individuals to our Women inPower Fellowship program this week. 

These extraordinary women embody resilience, leadership, and a commitment to driving positive change in their respective fields. Join us in extending a warm welcome to our 2024 Fellows! 🎉

See full cohort here:https://lnkd.in/ednfEiU9 and press release below

#WomenLeaders #WiP2024 #Welcome #Empowerment

*****************************

Congrats, Camille! You show what true courage, inspiration, and leadership is all about at a time when our nation needs you and other NDPA leaders to fight for human rights, the rule of law, and humane values!

🇺🇸Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-04-23

⚖️ EOIR: WHAT WORKS, WHAT DOESN’T — Why Hasn’t Garland Fixed The Basics? 🤯

1) WHAT WORKS

NDPA “Four Star General” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Charles Kuck reports:

My partner Danielle Claffey won yet ANOTHER Russian Asylum case the belly of the beast Atlanta Immigration Court.  THIS is why lawyers are essential in asylum cases!

Danielle says:

Earlier this week, I had the great fortune of securing asylee status for a young Muslim girl from Russia, before an Atlanta immigration judge. Though she is young and was so quiet for the last year I was handling her case, in court, she was strong, confident, and provided vivid detail of what she went through for the entire 19 years of her life in Russia before fleeing for America. After the judge formally granted her asylee status, and the government waived appeal, the judge told her she was sorry for everything she went through in her home country. When the judge granted her case, and the interpreter translated the judge’s words, it was the first time I saw my client smile, followed by a big deep breath. She has carried a lot in her 21 years, but can now rest easy and pursue all of her dreams here in the U.S.

*************************

Danielle M. Claffey, EsquirePartner Kuck Baxter LLC Atlanta, GA PHOTO: Kuck Baxter
Danielle M. Claffey, Esquire
Partner
Kuck Baxter LLC
Atlanta, GA
PHOTO: Kuck Baxter

Many congrats, Danielle, and thanks so much for sharing! With great representation, anything is possible, even in Atlanta!

THIS is actually the way Immigration Court could and should work on a regular basis from all involved! Teamwork for justice! Note that:

  • No appeal;
  • No petition for review;
  • No remand;
  • No “aimless docket reshuffling;”
  • No need to keep renewing work authorization;
  • Respondent feels welcomed and understood by U.S. justice system;
  • Respondent leaves courtroom on the way to a green card, eventual U.S. citizenship, and can fulfill full potential in society;
  • Models and rewards best practices and professional cooperation (by EOIR, ICE, and the private bar) in achieving “justice with efficiency;”
  • As Charles says, representation is essential; you bet; so, why hasn’t Garland worked WITH the pro bono bar, NGOs, and clinical educators to facilitate representation in every asylum case? (HINT: “Aimless Docket Reshuffling” and its derivative “Expedited Dockets” — both “Garland specialties” — are major, DOJ-created, impediments to effective representation and are particularly discouraging and problematic for pro bono representatives! 

2) WHAT DOESN’T WORK

Dan Kowalski reports for LexisNexis:

https://www.lexisnexis.com/community/insights/legal/immigration/b/insidenews/posts/ca8-on-reasoned-decision-making-davis-v-garland

http://media.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/24/02/223262P.pdf

“The BIA erred in affirming the IJ. The entirety of the BIA’s analysis about the motion to reopen was that Davis “has not established that evidence of his mental health issues and of his past and feared harm if returned to Liberia are new, previously unavailable, or would likely change the result in his case.” This one sentence alludes to the elements of a motion to reopen, but does not explain how they apply to Davis’s case. Neither the IJ nor the BIA met the requirements of reasoned decision-making. … Without an adequate explanation, this Court cannot conduct a meaningful review of the BIA’s September 30, 2022 order. … This Court grants Davis’s petition for review in case no. 22-3262, denies the petition for review in case no. 23-1229, and remands for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”

[Hats off to Colleen Mary Cowgill, Joseph N. Glynn, Elaine Janet Goldenberg, Keren Hart Zwick, Zachary Scott Buckheit, Golnaz Fakhimi, David R. Fine, Kira Michele Geary, Haarika R. Reddy, Cynthia Louise Rice and Kate Thorstad!]

****************

Congrats to the NDPA team from Immigration and Disability Law Scholars.

But, this is an example of how Merrick Garland’s DOJ is failing the basics of American justice! Note that:

  • Two levels of EOIR flunk “Judging 101” — badly;
  • Inappropriate “defense of the indefensible” (and easily correctable) by Garland’s DOJ (OIL) asserting semi-frivolous jurisdictional argument;
  • Wastes Court of Appeals time on something Garland could and should have corrected and prevented from reoccurring;
  • Failure to follow Circuit precedent by both EOIR and OIL;
  • Failure to apply established standards;
  • Likely use of mindless “any reason to deny boilerplate” at EOIR;
  • Generates needless motion to reconsider;
  • After four years, two IJ hearings, two administrative appeals, a motion to reopen, a motion to reconsider, a trip to the Court of Appeals, case remains unresolved;
  • Competent EOIR Judges could have reopened the case and ruled on the merits in less time and using fewer resources than trying to mindlessly avoid providing the respondent with a reasoned decision;
  • In a system with three million pending cases these types of easily avoidable, sophomoric mistakes from supposedly “expert” judges are repeated over and over again— not always caught and corrected — leading to denials of due process and fundamental fairness and promoting backlog-building “aimless docket reshuffling!”
  • What if the the wonderful team at “Immigraton and Disability Law Scholars” could devote 100% of their time to representing vulnerable individuals at merits hearings in Immigration Court rather than having to correct avoidable mistakes by EOIR and OIL?

After three years in charge of EOIR, why hasn’t Merrick Garland, a former Court of Appeals Judge nominated to the Supremes:

  • Cleaned house at EOIR;
  • Brought in new, expert, dynamic, due-process-focused leadership;
  • Institutionalized best practices (see example 1 above);
  • Attacked system-wide anti-immigrant culture, lack of quality control, and unprofessional decision-making that continues to plague this critical “retail level” of American justice (see example 2 above);
  • Fixed OIL so that it will stop undermining justice in America by raising specious arguments and defending indefensible EOIR mistakes in the Article III Courts?
Alfred E. Neumann
Merrick Garland’s “Alfred E. Neumann Approach” at EOIR: Indolent, inappropriate, ineffective!
PHOTO: Wikipedia Commons

It’s not rocket science; it doesn’t require legislation (although Garland certainly should have been publicly pushing for Article I); it just takes a laser-focused commitment to due process, fundamental fairness, best practices, and efficient delivery of justice from what continues to be America’s worst “court system!” 

Why that leadership and action isn’t coming from Garland is a question that everyone who cares about the future of American  🇺🇸⚖️ justice should be asking every day! Fix the fixable! Model the best! That’s “Good Governing 101!” 

 🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-03-24

🇺🇸😎 Raising Hope: Community Efforts to Empower the Next Generation — A Timely PSA By Diane Harrison –  Courtside Exclusive!

Diane Harrison
Image via Freepik

Raising Hope: Community Efforts to Empower the Next Generation

By Diane Harrison

Courtside Exclusive

February 2, 2024

In the evolving social landscape of our times, vulnerable children face an array of challenges that impede their growth and development. However, communities possess an extraordinary capacity to alter these trajectories through concerted efforts. This article, courtesy of immigrationcourtside.com, sheds light on the vital role community initiatives play in bolstering these children’s prospects and outlines various ways communities can extend crucial support and opportunities to them.

Fostering Growth Through Mentorship

Communities can profoundly impact the lives of vulnerable children by harnessing the power of local volunteer mentorship programs. Often hailing from similar backgrounds, these mentors provide more than just academic support; they act as beacons of hope by offering guidance and exemplifying positive life choices. Such personal interactions foster a nurturing environment, crucial for these children’s emotional and social development.

Expanding Educational Horizons

Education is a vital catalyst for change, and communities are essential in enhancing accessibility. Initiatives such as after-school programs and scholarships, notably those for online education, play a crucial role in this endeavor. These efforts spur academic growth and offer the necessary flexibility for children to balance their educational pursuits with other life aspects. Importantly, embracing a variety of educational paths opens up numerous career possibilities.

For instance, with a degree in psychology, students can gain a deeper understanding of human behavior, which is instrumental in numerous professional and personal contexts. By championing diverse educational opportunities, communities are essentially unlocking new potential and avenues for their youth, ensuring a future rich with possibilities.

Cultivating Creative and Recreational Spaces

Community-run workshops and clubs offer a sanctuary for exploration and learning. In these safe and engaging spaces, children can delve into arts, sciences, or sports, fostering both educational and recreational growth. These programs do more than just occupy children’s time; they cultivate skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging, integral to their overall development.

Uniting Through Fundraising

Fundraising is a powerful tool for communities to provide tangible support to vulnerable children. Through collective efforts in organizing fundraisers, communities gather essential resources and strengthen their communal bonds. Such events underscore the shared responsibility of community members in nurturing the younger generation, reinforcing the network of support available to them.

Creating Robust Support Networks

The establishment of support networks within communities is invaluable. These networks offer a range of resources, from basic necessities like food and clothing to educational materials and counseling services. By pooling resources and expertise, communities ensure both children and their families have access to the comprehensive support they require.

Prioritizing Health and Wellness

A child’s well-being is multi-faceted, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health. Community-organized health and wellness initiatives address these aspects, including free medical check-ups and mental health counseling. Such initiatives demonstrate a holistic approach to child care, recognizing the importance of nurturing every aspect of a child’s health.

Enhancing Opportunities Through Scholarships

Community-funded scholarship programs embody much more than mere financial assistance; they signify a profound dedication to nurturing the aspirations of young, promising individuals. These scholarships open doors to educational opportunities for children facing challenging circumstances, playing a pivotal role in revealing and nurturing their inherent potential.

This support not only sets them on a trajectory toward success but also instills a sense of confidence and ambition. Moreover, these scholarships often inspire recipients to give back to their communities in the future, creating a cycle of empowerment and progress. Through these initiatives, communities actively invest in a brighter, more capable generation.

Strengthening Safety and Security

Ensuring the safety of children is a fundamental responsibility. Through neighborhood watch programs, safety workshops, and collaborations with local law enforcement, communities play a critical role in creating a secure environment for children. These measures protect children and provide them with the confidence and peace of mind necessary to focus on their growth and development.

The collective power of a community is a formidable force in shaping the lives of vulnerable children. Communities can empower these children through strategic initiatives in mentorship, education, creative engagement, fundraising, support networks, health and wellness, scholarship opportunities, and safety measures. Through these efforts, communities can help vulnerable children overcome adversity and pave the way for a future filled with promise and potential.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content at immigrationcourtside.com!

*******************

Thanks Diane! Hope is what keeps us going. Thanks for promoting it!

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-02-24

🗽⚖️😎👍 ANOTHER “W” FOR THE GOOD GUYS 😇 — ROUND TABLE 🛡️⚔️ ON THE WINNING TEAM AGAIN, AS BIA REJECTS DHS’S SCOFFLAW ARGUMENTS ON NOTICE! — Matter of Luis AGUILAR HERNANDEZ — “Sir Jeffrey” 🛡️ Chase Reports!

Jeffrey S. Chase
Hon. Jeffrey S. Chase
Jeffrey S. Chase Blog
Coordinator & Chief Spokesperson, Round Table of Former Immigration Judges

A Victory before the BIA!

Hi All: I hope you are not getting tired of all the winning. Today, the BIA issued a precedent decision on the whole Pereira and Niz-Chavez jurisdictional issue involving service of a defective NTA (link attached) in which our Round Table submitted an amicus brief drafted for us by our own Sue Roy.And the BIA actually agreed with us!!!

The holding:

The Department of Homeland Security cannot remedy a notice to appear that lacks the date and time of the initial hearing before the Immigration Judge by filing a Form I-261 because this remedy is contrary to the plain text of 8 C.F.R. § 1003.30 and inconsistentwith the Supreme Court’s decision in Niz-Chavez v. Garland, 593 U.S. 155 (2021).

Here’s the link to the full decision:

https://www.justice.gov/d9/2024-01/4071.pdf

Of course, our brief was not acknowledged in the Board’s decision.

A thousand thanks to Sue and to all in this group who have repeatedly signed on in support of due process.

As a reminder, we still await a decision from the Supreme Court on whether Pereira and Niz-Chavez extend to in absentia orders of removal. Oral arguments in that case were heard earlier this month, and our brief was mentioned in response to a question by Chief Justice Roberts.

Best, Jeff

********************

Hon. Susan G. Roy
“Our Hero” 🦸‍♂️ Hon. Susan G. Roy
Law Office of Susan G. Roy, LLC
Princeton Junction, NJ
Member, Round Table of Former Immigration Judges
Knightess
Knightess of the Round Table

Want to meet Judge Sue Roy in person and learn from her in a small group setting? You’re in luck! (HINT: She’s not only a very talented lawyer and teacher, but she’s also very entertaining and down to earth in her “Jersey Girl Persona!”)

Jersey Girls
“Don’t mess with Jersey Girls! They’ll roll right over you — in or out of court.”
Creative Commons License

The Round Table 🛡️ will be well-represented by Judge Roy, Judge Lory Diana Rosenberg, and me at the upcoming Sharma-Crawford Clinic 7th Annual Immigration Court Trial Advocacy College in Kansas City, MO, April 24-26, 2024! We’ll be part of a  faculty of all-star 🌟 NDPA litigators who are there to help every attendee sharpen skills and reach their full potential as a fearless litigator in Immigration Court — and beyond!

Here’s the registration information:

🗽⚖️😎 SEE YOU AT THE SHARMA-CRAWFORD CLINIC TRIAL COLLEGE IN K.C. IN APRIL! — Guaranteed To Be Warmer Than Last Saturday’s Playoff Game!

Kansas City here we come! Hope to see you there!

Fats Domino
“Walk in the footsteps of the greats! Join us in KC in April!” Fats Domino (1928-2017)
R&B, R&R, Pianist & Singer
Circa 1980
PHOTO: Creative Commons

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-01-24