Thank you for volunteering to represent an asylum seeker pro bono in immigration court. This is our comprehensive course on defensive asylum representation. In this course, you will learn everything from how to register with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, to how to craft a particular social group. If you have taken on a pro bono case and are need mentorship, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for further guidance and information!
This course is intended for use only by attorneys, accredited representatives, and those assisting attorneys and accredited representatives in compliance with the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct. The information contained herein should not be construed as legal advice.
Course last updated: October 2022
Course Curriculum
Administrative Procedures and Overviews
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The Basics of Asylum
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- Elements of Asylum (11:47)
- Persecution (10:01)
- Nexus (12:05)
- Credibility (10:29)
- Corroborating Defensive Asylum Claims (12:37)
- Discretion (4:01)
- Race, Religion, Nationality, and Political Opinion (9:00)
- Particular Social Groups (17:09)
- Withholding of Removal and Protection Under the Convention Against Torture (9:45)
- Sources of Asylum Law
Tips for Preparing Your Case
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Hearings in Immigration Court
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- Who's Who in Immigration Court (0:57)
- An Introduction to Storytelling in Immigration Court (7:30)
- Building Your Case Theme (14:07)
- Preparing for your Master Calendar Hearing (19:34)
- Preparing for Your Individual Calendar Hearing (10:16)
- Introducing Evidence in Removal Hearings (14:39)
- Preparing Your Client to Testify (8:58)
- Objections in Immigration Court (11:50)
- Using Experts in a Removal Hearing (14:50)
- Cross Examination (14:13)
- Closing Arguments (3:35)
- Mock Asylum Hearing
Templates and Other Resources
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Hi, we're VECINA!
VECINA is a nonprofit that seeks to empower immigrant justice advocates through mentoring attorneys, educating communities, and mobilizing volunteers.