The need for pro bono legal support for asylum seekers is urgent. The federal government is increasingly using a tactic known as “pretermission,” which allows an immigration judge to deny an asylum application without a full hearing, preventing asylum seekers from fully presenting their case.
The Chief Counsel of the Interfaith Center of New York will lead this training for B’nai Jeshurun attorneys who want to learn how to oppose pretermission and to commit to providing pro bono representation as part of a coordinated citywide effort.
Following the training, participating attorneys will be connected with partner organizations coordinating this effort. Law students at those organizations will prepare initial drafts of legal filings, and pro bono attorneys will review, finalize, and file submissions. Attorneys will be assigned to a clinic session and location based on availability and geography. Interpreters will be provided, and prior immigration law experience is not required.
This training is designed specifically for licensed attorneys interested in providing pro bono representation.
