An estimated 90% of children without a lawyer are deported and sent back to their home country. Volunteer to help children in New York Immigration Court today.

 

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2. Some Frequently Asked Questions

I am not an Immigration Attorney. Can I Still Help?

Yes. There are opportunities that range from greeting families to full representation. Attorneys new to immigration law can find an introductory training either at the organization with which they want to volunteer or on the Immigration Advocates Network's training calendar. Attorney and non-attorney volunteers are welcome.

 

Will I Receive Training or Mentoring?

This depends on the project. Some organizations make training and mentoring a core part of their volunteers' experience. Other organizations will pair you with staff for work such as legal screening.  Be sure to speak to the organization you volunteer with about training and supervision, and don't forget to browse the IAN's training calendar or sign up for a monthly update to see what trainings are around the corner.

 

What are the Immigration Options for Children?

There are protections for immigrant children who have been abused or neglected; have been persecuted or fear persecution in their home country; or, are victims of crime and torture. Children may qualify for immigration benefits based on a family member’s immigration status or case. This PowerPoint presentation gives a good overview of immigration options for children.

 

What is Immigration Court?

Immigration Court is an administrative law court, within the U.S. Department of Justice - Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). For more detailed information about the EOIR, court rules, and practice manuals, go to: http://www.justice.gov/eoir. View this webinar for an overview of immigration court proceedings. Immigration Judges generally appreciate pro bono counsel, and can provide some guidance on procedure. The EOIR has published guidelines on policies the court may implement to support pro bono.

 

How is Representing a Child Different from Representing an Adult?

Watch this webinar to learn about best practices for representing children.  It covers the basic immigration options, ethical considerations for working with child clients, and tips for establishing trust and interviewing a child.

 

 

3. Helpful Resources

Where Can I Find Trusted Resources on Children's Immigration?

In addition to the specific resources we highlight above in our FAQ, view the links below to find introductory resources for first time pro bono attorneys and those new to immigration on the National Unaccompanied Children Resource Center and Immigration Advocates Network.

	Unaccompanied Children Resource Center: This national clearinghouse, a project of the Immigration Advocates Network, American Bar Association, and Pro Bono Net, houses UAC trainings and events, up-to-date news, community education resources, attorney materials, and city-by-city information on surge dockets.
	Immigrant Youth: This Immigration Advocates Network library folder contains reports, manuals, articles, practice advisories and webinars on immigrating children and other special issues concerning immigrant youth in the United States. Join the Immigration Advocates Network's Nonprofit Resource Center (Nonprofit Staff) or Pro Bono Resource Center (Pro Bono Attorneys) to access Immigrant Youth.