Pro Bono work makes an enormous impact on immigration law clients
Asylum seekers, those facing deportation, undocumented survivors of abuse, or young people seeking higher education or looking to apply for citizenship: are all required to face immigration judges along their paths. Most of these cases calls for guidance from professionals, be it attorneys, interpreters or translators. These services are essential. Yet for those with little financial resources, navigating the court system without representation can be daunting, stress-inducing and seemingly impossible. Without representation or guidance, the result for many is facing deportation.
Thankfully, there are already a good number of attorneys, interpreters and translators helping to make a difference in the lives of many immigrants. There are also organizations that help recruit pro bono volunteers and line up clients for them. And finally, there is a National Pro Bono Week — October 23-27 — that celebrates the efforts of pro bono workers brand stresses the continued need for their services.
The New Mexico Immigration Law Center recently highlighted the work of many of its pro bono volunteers in a social media campaign this past week, capturing the reasons they continue to offer their services. What follows has hopefully shed a little more light on the need for pro bono work, and served as an example for others to do the same in the future.
If you or someone you know has the skillset and time to help NMILC’s clients (or anyone in need of professional services), please send them a link to our signup forms:
Attorneys
Medical Professionals
Translators/Interpreters
Paul Cash
“I volunteer at the Immigrant Law Center because I believe in turning my faith into action. I strive to show compassion and work towards justice for those who are in need of help and support.”
Madison Jones
Wilcox, Myers, & Jones
“I am passionate about working with NMILC because the NMILC attorneys and staff are brilliant, compassionate, and dedicated, and through our collaboration, I believe we are able to meaningfully empower our immigrant community.”
Lauren Bowen
Asylum Pro Se
“Not only did I choose NMILC because of their significant impact and dedication to our community, but because of the staff’s unbelievable guidance and support to its volunteers who are navigating the process. If you’re a first-year Associate like myself and are on the fence as to whether you’re “ready” to dive into Pro Bono work, know that with NMILC, you’ll never be alone.”
Allison Freedman
UNM School of Law
“The UNM School of Law’s recent partnership with NMILC to work on asylum and detention program cases has provided students in the Economic Justice Clinic with a window into the systemic injustices built into the immigration system and given them the opportunity to work on direct representation in this space.
We are so grateful to NMILC for the incredible support and guidance they provide throughout these cases and are excited about continuing this partnership!”
Julia Smith
“Working with the NMILC gives me a chance to make a positive difference in the life of someone who can use a little help. The folks at NMILC do a fantastic job of providing support and leading the way.”
Chris Killion
Modrall Sperling
“Working with the NMILC gives me a chance to make a positive difference in the life of someone who can use a little help. The folks at NMILC do a fantastic job of providing support and leading the way.”
Stephanie Lawyer
“Volunteering as a DOJ Accredited Rep with NMILC has been challenging and fulfilling work! It makes me happy to see cases through to their positive conclusions and work directly with clients throughout the whole process.”
Elizabeth Delfs
“What I do gives children, many of whom endured tumultuous and dangerous experiences, a new shot at building a better life as citizens who will be able to openly join in the full spectrum of American life.”
Dr. Diya Kallivayalil
Cambridge Health Alliance
“NMILC's dedicated and tireless work to uphold human rights as well as human dignity motivates me to provide pro bono evaluations for NMILC clients.”