St. Thomas Immigration Law Students Host Free Legal Screening Clinic

On Saturday, March 17th, the School of Law and the Immigration Law Students Association (ILSA) partnered with Catholic Legal Services and Americans for Immigrant Justice to provide free immigration legal screenings to the surrounding community. The clinic primarily offered an interview and legal consultation for the purpose of determining immigration relief eligibility.

Student volunteers

More than 20 student-volunteers from St. Thomas Law received valuable hands-on experience working alongside a team of attorneys. The volunteers got the chance to complete intake forms for those seeking aid, observe attorneys conduct legal interviews, and were introduced to South Florida’s two leading immigration nonprofits for future internships and employment opportunities. 

“Participating in the clinic provided me with the unique opportunity to observe attorneys’ interactions with clients,” stated Catherine Yepes (1L). “This experience allowed insight into what my day-to-day life would be as an immigration attorney,” she added.

Student-volunteers 

For Tessa Juste, an LL.M student graduating in May, the experience hit close to home. “My parents were immigrants to this country, and I know it was not an easy road for them. So I am grateful that, because of their struggles and efforts, I am able to bring things full circle and help people who are walking that same path today,” stated Tessa.

Students had face-to-face interactions with individuals who may be eligible for different types of relief, including asylum-seekers and survivors of domestic violence. Alida Bustos (1L) was excited to have the opportunity to complete an intake for someone who needed to renew her application for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. She hopes to be a part of future programs.

Students interested in participating in similar projects should contact ILSA at ilsa@stu.edu.