The Immigration Clinic represents clients in a variety of immigration matters, with a focus on assisting low-income immigrants in removal (deportation) proceedings who are applying for humanitarian relief such as asylum. Because there is no right to free appointed counsel in immigration court, the clinic fills a critical need in Columbus by representing indigent noncitizens who might not otherwise have legal representation.
Clinic students handle all aspects of a client’s case, including client interviewing and counseling, case planning, fact investigation, legal research and writing, and trial advocacy. Students will also learn how to work with interpreters, fact witnesses, and expert witnesses.
Casework is complemented by a seminar that meets twice per week. In the seminar, students will develop their lawyering skills, learn substantive immigration law and policy, and reflect on ethical issues and proposals for reform of the immigration system. Whether they ultimately pursue a career in immigration law or another area, students will gain invaluable lawyering skills and a deeper understanding of the issues facing immigrants and other marginalized groups in the American legal system.