Dear Friend of PAIR,

The summer season is upon us! And thanks to your continued support, we continue to forge ahead in our zealous representation accompanying our asylum-seeking clients and friends.

This summer, we have a number of asylum cases in the defensive posture (adjudicated by an Immigration Judge at Immigration Court) that still need to be critically placed with a pro bono attorney/team.

No litigation experience is needed, and there's no better time than now to begin.

If you've been thinking about taking a defensive case and want to learn more about it, or have questions—I am here as a soundboard. You can just hit "reply" and I'll respond as soon as I can.

We also have a great month of trainings ahead here at PAIR, and I am looking forward to seeing many of you at an upcoming one this month!

In solidarity,
Melanie
Pro Bono Involvement Coordinator at PAIR
Available Pro Bono Cases



To read the longer case abstract for each the cases below, please click here.

If you are an attorney and are interested in taking on one of the below cases, please email me at mgleason@pairproject.org.


  • Asylum (Defensive): NEGV (Guatemala) is a 36 year old woman who fled her home country due to death threats from gang members who killed her father.

  • Asylum (Defensive): LRC (Ecuador) is a 28 year old woman who fled her home country due to physical attacks and death threats made against her by her partner's uncle due to her sexual orientation.

  • Asylum (Affirmative): LAMG (Guatemala) is a 29 year old woman who fears returning to her home country because she identifies as transgender.

  • Unaccompanied Child/Asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (Defensive): SDS (Honduras) is a 19 year old young woman who fled to the United States after struggling with abuse she suffered in her home country and her family receiving threats.

  • Unaccompanied Child/Asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (Defensive): LGG (El Salvador) is a 19 year old young woman who fled to the United States because of her fear of the MS-13 gang and because there was no one to care for her in El Salvador.

  • Asylum (Defensive): JRC (Haiti) is a 31 year old man who fears returning to his home country because he is gay.

  • Asylum (Defensive): VG (Guatemala) is a 29 year old lesbian woman who fled her home country after suffering severe attacks from men on multiple occasions.

  • Asylum (Defensive): MOG (Cuba) is a 31 year old woman who came to the United States after fleeing political persecution in Cuba.

  • Asylum (Defensive): KS (Belarus) is a 30 year old man who fled his home country due to political persecution.

Upcoming PAIR Trainings
How to Put Together a Country Conditions Packet and Work with an Expert
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Hosted by Pro Bono Involvement Coordinator/Attorney,
Melanie Gleason

To win asylum, the asylum seeker must demonstrate that they have suffered past persecution or have a well-founded future fear of persecution. To help accomplish this, the asylum seeker should submit proof that the types of harm they suffered or fear suffering in the future are documented in their home country—otherwise known as country conditions. This training will go over putting together a country conditions packet and working with country conditions experts. Please click here to register.
U-Visa 101
Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 12:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Hosted by PAIR Senior Asylum Attorney,
Elizabeth Badger

The U-Visa applies to immigrants who are the victims of certain serious crimes such as domestic violence and trafficking, and who have cooperated with authorities in the prosecution of the perpetrator. An immigrant granted U-Visa relief will subsequently be given legal status to reside and work in the United States, and can eventually apply for a green card. This training will go over some of the basics of the U-Visa as a form of relief. The pro bono time commitment for a U Visa case is around 40 hours, and does not require going to court or an interview. Please click here to register.

Working with Survivors of Trauma
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Hosted by PAIR Paralegal, Gabriella Chavez

Trauma-informed advocacy is critical when working with survivors. In addition to experiencing trauma that led to fleeing one's own home country, the immigration/legal system in the U.S. is often re/traumatizing. This training will include learning more about how to establish a rapport with your clients in a trauma-informed manner, as well as cultural considerations you should consider when working with asylum seekers and others seeking immigration relief. Please click here to register.

Starting a Case/Records Searches (FOIA)
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST
Hosted by PAIR Detention Attorney, Irene Freidel

If an asylum client was referred to Immigration Court from the Asylum Office, was subject to a Credible Fear determination upon entry to the United States, or has any time applied for any immigration benefits or given statements to immigration officials—pro bono attorneys can request a copy of the client’s government immigration file through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Without the FOIA request, pro bono attorneys may not know about these documents until the Asylum Officer or Trial Attorney uses them for impeachment purposes during the asylum interview or merits hearing. This training will cover FOIA requests to ICE, CBP, and the State Department. Please click here to register.
STAY CONNECTED