Dear Friend of PAIR,

As the summer is in full swing, we're excited to share a number of upcoming volunteer opportunities for both lawyers and non-lawyers—as we all share the common goal of supporting our asylum-seeking clients and friends.

August is also a good planning month to think ahead about how we'd like to spend the fall season. So, we're hosting a couple of interest sessions to share more about our upcoming volunteer opportunities and how to get involved. More information is included below.

Additionally in late August, we will be kicking off an Immigration Court training series for pro bono attorneys, where our staff attorneys will be breaking down these types of asylum cases procedurally and substantively. Please be on the lookout for the registration email coming later this month!

And as always, we have a number of asylum seekers who urgently need direct representation. If you have been thinking about taking a case and need a soundboard—that is what I am here for. You can hit "reply" to this email, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

I look forward to connecting with many of you over these upcoming weeks.

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 (Immigration Court): 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.

  • Unaccompanied Child/Asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (Immigration Court): 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 (Immigration Court): JRC (Haiti) is a 31 year old man who fears returning to his home country because he is gay.

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

  • Asylum (Immigration Court): LVLM (El Salvador) is a 26 year old woman who fled her abusive ex-partner.

  • Asylum (Immigration Court): LP (Haiti) is a 32 year old woman who fled her home country due to political persecution.

  • Asylum (Immigration Court): DF (Haiti) is a 41 year old man who fears returning to his home country because of political persecution.

  • Asylum (Asylum Office): ASDS (Brazil) is a 33 year old man who fears returning to his home country because he is gay.
PAIR's Fall 2022 Asylum Cohort
In late September, we'll be kicking off PAIR's second Asylum Cohort—a community of pro bono attorneys who have committed to take a full representation case within 6 months of completing the program.

The Asylum Cohort is designed for attorneys who are new or would like a refresher in asylum law. All cohort members are matched up with a PAIR staff attorney for tailored step-by-step support on their case. It's a great way to join our client-centered advocacy in a supportive group of like-minded peers. We hope you'll join us!

If you are interested in learning more, please fill out this brief survey or email mgleason@pairproject.org to set up a time to chat.
Upcoming PAIR Interest Sessions
Interest Session for Non-Lawyer Volunteers
Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from 12:00 - 1:00pm EST
Hosted by PAIR Pro Bono Coordinator/Attorney,
Melanie Gleason

This presentation will share updates on how paralegals, interpreters, medical experts, and country conditions experts can help support PAIR cases. After the interest session, a survey will be sent out to all registrants to confirm next steps. Please click here to register.

PAIR's Fall 2022 Asylum Cohort: Interest Session
Wednesday, August 17, 2022 from 12:00 - 1:00pm EST
Hosted by PAIR Pro Bono Coordinator/Attorney,
Melanie Gleason

If you are a practicing attorney who is interested in joining the upcoming fall Asylum Cohort and have questions, this interest session is for you. All members receive training on the fundamentals of asylum law, as well as commit to taking a full representation case within 6 months of completing the program. Cohort members are also matched with a mentoring PAIR staff attorney for tailored step-by-step support. Please click here to register.
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