UMass Boston
Making a Difference, Together
In partnership with UMass Boston and the Political Science Department, SCIJ and UMass Boston are empowering students to advocate for immigrant justice and social change.
How it Works
Training Program
Students enrolled at UMass Boston (UMB) join SCIJ’s Law & Immigration Training Program during the fall semester. In SCIJ’s intensive, semester-long training program, students gain a deep knowledge of immigration law, learn about the history of and systemic issues with US immigration, and build skills in community organizing. Through this training and by also equipping students with hands-on experience through exercises such as mock interviews and public narrative storytelling, SCIJ is preparing students to provide legal support to immigrants and to organize for policy change.
Legal Justice
After students are trained, they’re mobilized to provide representation to asylum seekers by pairing up with SCIJ’s partner immigration attorney from other nonprofits and private firms on pro bono cases. Students work on all aspects of an asylum case, including meeting with clients, collecting evidence, and drafting legal documents. During this process, SCIJ supports students through case rounds, workshops, and individual check-ins.
Community Organizing
As students work on cases, they will develop community organizing strategies with clients and local immigrant communities to advocate for issues important to them.
Get Involved
Is immigrant justice important to you? Do you come from an immigrant background? Interested in law or politics? Join the Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice at UMass Boston and get trained so you can fight for immigrant justice and advocate for asylum seekers. Click below to contact us and get involved.
Professor Luis F. Jiménez, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science, UMass Boston
“Through this partnership, UMass Boston students gain the skills they need to take their advocacy and social justice work on immigrant rights to the next level, to support individuals seeking asylum in our community, and to be part of a broader movement for social change."
