Immigration Studies

This course prepares students to accompany and work effectively with immigrant families and communities. Drawing on a broad, interdisciplinary foundation, students develop a rich understanding of the global migration phenomenon — why people migrate, the socio-economic impact of migration, as well as migration in history and religious traditions. Students also explore the structure of government, the sources of immigration law, and the broader immigration ecosystem. Learning Activities span topics rarely addressed together in a single course and prepare students for the practical demands of immigrant accompaniment, including conducting culturally sensitive interviews with immigrants, drafting professional documents, preparing rapid responses for immigrant families in crisis, practicing ethical advocacy, and engaging in the self- and communal care practices that sustain long-term service to immigrant communities.

This course prepares students to work as immigrant advocates, paralegals, or partially Accredited Representatives serving immigrant families and communities. Working through Professor Pistone's 5-Stage Case Analysis Process, students develop the legal analysis, fact-gathering, and case assessment skills essential to immigration practice. Students learn to conduct thorough client intake interviews; research immigration law and identify the elements required to establish eligibility for immigration benefits; gather and analyze facts and evidence; draft persuasive professional documents including applications, declarations, and cover letters; prepare and submit complete application packages to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); and maintain professional client case files. Students also compile an application for DOJ partial accreditation as an Accredited Representative, practice ethical advocacy, and engage in the self-care and communal care practices that sustain effective long-term service to immigrant communities.

This course prepares students to represent immigrant clients in removal proceedings before immigration court as fully Accredited Representatives. Working through Professor Pistone's 5-Stage Case Analysis Process, students develop the advanced legal analysis, case preparation, and oral advocacy skills essential to immigration court practice. Students learn to conduct thorough client intake interviews for cases in removal proceedings; research immigration law and identify the elements required to establish eligibility for various forms of relief from removal; gather and analyze facts and evidence; prepare and submit complete application packages to immigration court; prepare clients and witnesses to testify; and draft persuasive professional documents including declarations, motions, briefs, and cover letters. Students also develop and present opening statements, closing arguments, and direct examinations — the core oral advocacy skills of immigration court practice. In addition, students compile an application for DOJ full accreditation as an Accredited Representative, practice ethical advocacy, and engage in the self- and communal care practices that sustain effective long-term service to immigrant communities.