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ProBAR Bulletin

Volume 13 Summer 2024

Message from Meredith Linsky, Director of ABA Commission on Immigration

This year marks a decade since I left my position as the ProBAR director and assumed the role of Commission on Immigration director in Washington, DC. Working at ProBAR made an indelible impact on my life and career, and I am grateful for the ability to maintain a connection to ProBAR and its services in my current position.


Now, not only do I study new immigration policies that are announced in our nation’s capital, but I am able to observe how those polices impact migrants at the border, and the critical difference ProBAR’s services can make for those who seek safety and protection.  


Read Meredith's message here.

In Response to Biden's Secure the Border Proclamation

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On June 4, 2024, President Biden released issued a proclamation that imposes strict asylum limitations for migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border when border encounters exceed a weekly average of 2,500. The proclamation is coupled with an interim final rule that allows rapid deportation and a five-year ban on reentry. The American Bar Association is in strong opposition to this Executive Order as it violates provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act and jeopardizes the safety of people on both sides of the border, among other concerns.   

For an update on border enforcement policies, check out the ABA Commission on Immigration’s Border Primer on Enforcement Mechanisms, updated this summer to reflect these recent changes. You can also read ProBAR’s short overview (complete with resource and statement links) on the proclamation here. 

Making an Impact

Volunteering with ProBAR


Throughout the 35 years that ProBAR has served along the South Texas border, volunteers have been at the heart of our capacity to support immigrants and asylum-seekers on their journey into the United States.  

This quarter, we were visited by groups from global law firms DLA Piper and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, members of the ABA’s Commission on Immigration, as well as staff from the ABA’s Immigration Justice Project, all of whom made significant contributions to our work on the front lines during their visits.  


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ProBAR Hosts Volunteer Group from Global Law Firm DLA Piper

 

ProBAR would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the team from global law firm DLA Piper for their recent visit to volunteer with our organization in the Rio Grande Valley. The group staffed our Access to Work clinic in Brownsville most of the week. Read more here.

ProBAR Hosts Delgation of Volunteers from Fried Frank, Commission On immigration


This past May, ProBAR was delighted to host a delegation of volunteers from global law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP as well as members and staff from the ABA Commission on Immigration (COI) and the Immigration Justice Project (IJP) who visited the Rio Grande Valley for a week of pro bono service and learning. Read more here.

ProBAR Presente

ProBAR to Train Staff in Mental Health First Aid 

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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, ProBAR is pleased to announce an initiative offering in-house Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training sessions to staff. Led by two certified instructors from ProBAR’s Release Support team, the Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is a critical effort to promote positive mental and emotional well-being among staff and clients alike by training adults to specialize in supporting adolescents who are struggling with their mental health or addiction. 


Read more about this initiative here.

Expanding Economic Mobility with ProBAR’s Access to Work Clinic

In partnership with Good Neighbor Settlement House and the City of Brownsville, ProBAR’s Access to Work Clinic has helped nearly 3,000 migrants and asylum seekers paroled into the United States by providing free assistance to complete and file their work authorization applications.  


Read more here.

ProBAR Updates

Access to Work Clinic receives award from Jones Day Foundation

ProBAR is deeply grateful for the Jones Day Foundation’s generous gift which will support ProBAR's Access to Work Clinic at the border for the next six months!


Access to Work addresses a critical need for assistance in filing applications for employment authorization. Since January the program has helped nearly 3,000 people apply to receive a work permit and Social Security number, changing the lives of these individuals as they pursue their immigration cases.


Thank you, Jones Day Foundation, for the opportunity to continue making a lasting impact!

Thank You Summer 2024 Law Student Fellows!

 

ProBAR had the privilege of welcoming six Law Student Fellows to our team for summer 2024! Having joined us in late May, these Fellows ultimately dedicated ten weeks of their summer to gaining hands-on experience with immigration legal services at the U.S.-Mexico border.  


Read more about our Summer 2024 Cohort here.

About ProBAR's Summer 2025 Legal Fellowship

Thirty-nine ProBARians honored at our recent Service Anniversary Recognition Event!

 

This year, the ABA and ProBAR are thrilled to recognize 3 team members who reached a decade of service, as well as 36 team members celebrating their 5-year work anniversaries. This impressive group has remained committed and adaptable through many changes to law and policy and a global pandemic.  



Our gratitude to these team members’ remarkable commitment to our mission is immense. We thank you for your service and hope to continue celebrating your accomplishments! 

Ping Pong, potluck, and treats!

ProBAR staff took a break to celebrate summer and community at several events, including a family picnic and June In Bloom week. 

Get Involved

ProBAR seeks dedicated advocates to join our team!  


The South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project (ProBAR), a project of the American Bar Association, is hiring across various departments!   

   

By joining ProBAR, you can surround yourself with a diverse and growing team of passionate advocates who serve immigrants and asylum-seekers on the frontlines of immigration. 


We are currently hiring for:  

  • Staff Attorney 
  • Staff Attorney (Adelante Con ProBAR’s Spanish Language Learning Program) 
  • Senior Attorney 
  • Supervising Attorney 
  • Regional HR Manager 
  • Paralegal 
  • Legal Assistant 
  • Release Support Associate 
  • Unaccompanied Children (UC) Legal Services Specialist 

 

Visit our job board for more information on our open roles and learn how to join our team! 


Apply Today!

Pro Bono Opportunities

If you are an attorney interested in getting involved or learning more about our pro bono opportunities, fill out our Pro Bono Interest Form. Any questions can be sent to volunteer@abaprobar.org.


Remote Translation Program

ProBAR's Remote Translation Program is also accepting volunteer applications! If you or someone you know possess a language ability in addition to English and want to make a difference by providing crucial translation support, please fill out our Remote Translation Program Interest Form. Questions can be directed to volunteer@abaprobar.org.

Support ProBAR

Show your support for ProBAR's work through a one-time or recurring gift. Make a donation today.

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