This course is designed to provide students with an overview of immigration law and its practical application in the El Paso Immigration Court. The classroom portion of the course will also provide students with an understanding of the immigration consequences of crimes from a deportation defense perspective. Students will have the opportunity to represent low income immigrants in removal proceedings. Students are likely to interview clients, develop case strategy, prepare witnesses, and present cases before the El Paso Immigration Court. The precise work conducted, however, will depend on the clients who need representation and the posture of their cases.
Course Requirements
Ethics is a co-requisite for this course. Spanish language skills and prior coursework or externships in the area of immigration law and trial practice are preferred but not required.
In addition to the classroom component, students must be willing to travel to El Paso on August 20th and 21st for an initial detention center and court tour. Students may also have to travel to El Paso during the semester for a court hearing. Students should also expect to spend 5-10 hours per week on casework.