The Problem

The System is Broken

When an asylum seeker does not have legal representation, immigration courts in the US deny 90% of cases. But with representation, asylum seekers are 5x more likely to win their case. With nearly 500,000 pending asylum cases, there are not enough lawyers to meet the need.

A blue circle with white text inside reading, “500 thousands pending asylum cases”

A blue circle with white text inside which reads, “5-15 students trained per year, per school”

Our approach to immigration

Training Students

SCIJ’s training program provides students with a broad overview of immigration law and history so they’re prepared to provide legal services to immigrants. The program includes lecture-style presentations and hands-on exercises, in addition to workshops about community organizing.

Fighting in the courts

Advocating for Justice

Trained students are paired with experienced immigration attorneys working on asylum cases. Students support attorneys by taking on all aspects of an asylum case with SCIJ mentoring students during the process. Partner attorneys review the case during key checkpoints and are the attorneys of record, similarly to working with a paralegal.

A blue circle with white text inside that reads, “5x more cases won with legal representation.”

An image of a blue circle with white text that reads, “300 years of broken immigration policies”

And fighting in the streets

Organizing for change

Students develop community organizing strategies with clients and local immigrant communities to campaign for local, state, and federal issues important to them.

To Make that all happen, we…

Partner with Schools

Schools provide the space, student recruitment support, and staffing help for their program. SCIJ’s partner schools include UMass Boston, Brown University, and Worcester State University.

Organize Clinics

SCIJ runs the training program, connects students and attorneys, and provides oversight through case rounds, individual feedback, and bi-weekly meetings to ensure students have the support they need.

Mobilize for Justice

Students apply their skills through SCIJ’s clinic located at the partner schools. This includes providing remote and direct legal services to asylum seekers, and organizing for immigrant justice.

Partner With Organizations

SCIJ cannot fix the systemic issues of the US immigration system alone. SCIJ is committed to working with and supporting other people and organizations. This fight for immigrant justice is not a competition but an opportunity for collaborating with and raising up the work of others.

LET'S PARTNER