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ProBAR Bulletin
South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project
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Message from Deputy Director Aimee Korolev | |
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As ProBAR’s Deputy Director, I have the privilege of leading our incredible team as we implement programs that empower our clients with information and assistance to navigate the immigration legal system. The reach of these programs has grown year over year – serving approximately 40,000 people in 2023. However, the impact of our services includes not just the tangible wins of asylum or release from detention, but also the power of accompanying people through their journeys.
March was the month we formally recognized not only the unique challenges faced by women and girls, but also the tremendous contributions and inherent strength of women.
Read the full Deputy Director's message here.
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The question on everyone’s minds used to be, “what is SB4?” Now, however, the question seems to be “will SB4 go into effect?” As litigation challenging the Texas law ping-pongs through the courts, immigrants and advocates keep a close eye on its status and implications for newly arriving migrants and communities of color living throughout the state.
As of April 9 2024, the law remains enjoined, but ProBAR is closely watching the litigation and preparing information and advice for our clients and our community.
Read more here.
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ProBAR Launches Groundbreaking Access to Work Pilot Project | |
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Since the beginning of 2024, ProBAR, in partnership with Good Neighbor Settlement House, has helped nearly 1400 people file applications for work permits upon their arrival to the United States, saving them months of waiting and hundreds of dollars in legal fees. The collaborative pilot initiative, dubbed the Access to Work clinic, addresses an important step for people to safely begin life in the United States while their cases are pending.
Read more here.
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ProBAR by the Numbers 2023 | |
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2023 was a year of change, growth, and impact for the ProBAR team. Throughout the year, our team served approximately 40,000 people, opened our first Field Office in Houston, and extended our impact deeper into the Rio Grande Valley community. Meanwhile, ProBAR remains committed to empowering a diverse base of clients through high quality information, representation, and connections to services.
See our new infographic here.
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Expanding ProBAR’s Reach: Legal Services Beyond the RGV | |
ProBAR is proud to announce a new field office that will expand our services to the Houston metro area! | |
For the past 35 years, ProBAR has been a leading provider of critical legal services for immigrants and asylum-seekers across the Rio Grande Valley. Over the decades, our services have evolved to respond to the legal needs of people facing removal proceedings amidst an ever-changing landscape of immigration law and policy at the border. With this new step, we are excited to deepen our impact by extending our services to Houston.
Read more here.
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ProBAR hosts 32 Law Student Volunteers in First Quarter of 2024
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ProBAR would like to send a warm thank you to all the amazing law student volunteers that called our offices home this quarter. Over the course of their visits, the law students – hailing from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, University of Minnesota Law School, Loyola University Chicago, St. Mary’s University, Georgetown Law, and Catholic University – participated in a series of trainings and projects led by ProBAR staff in our offices. Their efforts included assisting asylum-seekers with preparations for their credible fear interviews, helping people prepare applications for work permit authorizations in our Access to Work clinic, and supporting humanitarian aid efforts at the Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen.
Read more here.
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ProBAR seeks dedicated advocates to join our team as UC Specialists!
Andres Cervantes, Senior Unaccompanied Children Legal Services Specialist, describes the impact of his role as one where he can be a positive role model to the resilient children he sees daily. By informing detained unaccompanied children of their rights, listening to their stories to gather information for attorneys to determine how we can best assist, and empowering them with specialized information, Andres gets to show up for children who are seeking a brighter future.
Join ProBAR's Shelter Services Department to have the opportunity to make an impact on children's lives and contribute to ProBAR's mission of empowering immigrants and asylum-seekers.
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Join Our Team!
In addition to the UC Specialist role, the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project (ProBAR), a project of the American Bar Association, is hiring across various departments!
We are currently hiring for:
- Attorneys
- Paralegals
- Legal Assistants
- Outreach Associate
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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.
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Support ProBAR
Show your support for ProBAR's work through a one-time or recurring gift. Make a donation today.
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ABA | South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project
202 S. 1st Street
Suite 300
Harlingen, Texas 78550
Visit our website!
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