Introduction to the Legal Representation of Asylum Seekers

In 2017, asylum relief remains one of the most sought after immigration relief. This program will focus on effective representation for the thousands of people who come to the United States in desperate need of protection, whether because they have suffered persecution or fear that they will be harmed if they return to their home country. Viewers will gain valuable insight into representing asylum seekers before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services' Asylum Office and the Immigration Courts, as well as providing strategic representation for immigrants who have not filed asylum in a timely manner but fear they will be harmed based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.

The course, taught by Immigration attorney Shannon Laguerre-Maingrette, will address more advanced issues in asylum cases such as: protection under the convention against torture, bars to asylum, and gang and gender claims. She will guide viewers through a review of asylum law, ethical considerations in representing asylum seekers and valuable practice tips.

Learning Objectives:

1. Review the underlying bases for different kinds of asylum petitions
2. Discuss best practices in representing asylum seekers at the USCIS Asylum Office and Immigration Courts
3. Survey bars to asylum and unusual types of claims