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U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Law Students - Research Memos and Supporting Briefs for Pro Bono Afghan Legal Services

Drafting briefs and research memos for complex immigration cases

Posted February 14, 2023

Background & Context

Over 65,000 Afghans were evacuated from Afghanistan and brought to the United States. Primarily, these individuals were given parole status, however, this does not provide a path to citizenship. To become a lawful permanent resident (aka "green card holder"), they must apply for an "immigration status". The majority of cases PALS attorneys will assist with will be Asylum applications; however, they may also assist with Special Immigrant Visas, Family-Based Petitions, and Green Card Applications.

Afghan parolees are a vulnerable group, arriving in a new country with no guarantee they will be allowed to stay. They are faced with an overwhelming immigration process. They fear being forced to go back to Afghanistan where they could be harmed. PALS strives to provide our Afghan Allies with an attorney that can represent them, assist them with completing their application, or review their application, giving them the confidence and support they need.

Immediate Problem

We have several cases that require more in-depth research and supporting legal memos to fully address the legal claims, refute potential bars to asylum, and navigate complex immigration issues!

Work & Deliverables

Law Students (or attorneys) will be given a writing assignment to support a real immigration case for an Afghan asylum seeker. Writing assignments will be either research memos addressing overarching policy changes, country conditions analysis, or a legal memo about a specific asylum claim. Writing assignments will be included in real filings to USCIS and the Immigration Court.

Project Plan

Preparation Phase

  • PALS orientation
  • Memo topics assigned

Collaboration Phase

  • Mid-memo check-in (one week after assignment)
  • Final memo review

Wrap Up

  • Confirmation that memo can be submitted with a case
  • PALS approval of pro bono hours spent

This project is complete!

This project has been completed thanks to the efforts of our volunteers.

Visit the Project Directory to check out other projects that still need your help!

Additional Information

  • Time Commitment: 6-10 hours
  • Training Provided: Yes
  • Additional Training Details: USCRI provides a sample memo, a research topic, and a 2-week timeline!
  • Site-Preference: Remote
  • Open to Law Students: Yes
  • Bar License(s) required: Any Bar License
  • Required Languages: None
  • Required Legal Expertise: Civil Rights, Family Law, Human Rights, Immigration, Other, Political Law
  • Mentoring Provided: Yes
  • Supervision Provided: Yes
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

USCRI is a refugee resettlement agency that has been resettling refugees in the US since 1911 and has been providing legal services since 2005. Our mission is to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and support their transition to a dignified life.

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