Mission: The New American Legal Clinic will prepare SJCL students for the practice of law, in any area of law, through a comprehensive experiential learning model while promoting SJCL’s dynamism, serving the needs of our local community and encouraging immigrant integration.
SJCL students enrolled in the Clinic will take on all major aspects of representing a client before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), including interviewing clients, preparing forms, analyzing and arguing complex legal issues, and attending USCIS applicant interviews. As the Clinic grows, we will expand our scope of practice to represent clients before the United States Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals.
While the Clinic will focus on immigration, students will gain practical skills and overarching values necessary to succeed in any field they pursue, legal or non-legal. This effort aligns with American Bar Association’s recommendations that law schools provide more opportunities for students to obtain real-life lawyering experience while in school, as well as SJCL’s mission: One Degree. A World of Options.
Students will be responsible for the following issues:
- Naturalization Applications:Once a Legal Permanent Resident (“LPR”) has been in the country for at least five years and shows good moral character, the LPR has the option to become a citizen through the naturalization process. Students will provide naturalization workshops, as well as individual counseling, to assist in the process to obtain citizenship.
- Family-Based Immigrant Visas:Family-based immigrant visas provide the way for spouses, children, and other family members of citizens, to immigrate to the United States. Students will guide families through this process and attend the final “interview” with the client at the USCIS office.
- U-Visas:The U visa is available to non-citizens who suffer substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of certain criminal activity. To be eligible for a U visa, the victim must possess information concerning the criminal activity and be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Students will help the victim obtain the required certification from a "certifying agency" certifying the applicant’s helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution, and guide them through the application process.
"My time at NALC was one of the most rewarding life experiences I can recall. There was a mutually beneficial relationship between our community as I navigated the field of Immigration Law while helping those without the resources to represent themselves. Knowing I had even a small part in helping someone become a resident is a truly gratifying feeling that I will never forget."
Jaymie Eaton
"Interning at NALC was one of my favorite experiences at SJCL. Their attorneys and staff are knowledgeable and passionate, creating learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom. My favorite experience at NALC was helping a college student apply for citizenship where, because of my improved client interviewing skills, she was comfortable enough to provide important information that would ensure her success through the process. I think this clinic is both important to law students for exposure to a different area of law, and to the community for the exceptional legal service it provides."
Ashley Emmersen
“Immigration Law is so fascinating. Students will learn about naturalization, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), U-Visa and Asylum. I learned so much at NALC and helped to file at least 40 petitions, some of which were complex cases and included legal defense against removal proceedings. Getting involved with NALC allowed me to provide services for clients in need, and that feels good.”
August Petersen
"As a student advocate at NALC, I have gained invaluable experience both in learning immigration law and interacting with actual clients and their families. The work everyone at NALC is doing for the community is truly commendable. Professor Barreto is a tremendous asset to the clinic and fearlessly advocates for all clients. The central valley is in great need of pro bono services in immigration and our clients are extremely grateful for the legal services at NALC. I strongly encourage all students to take NALC for at least one semester and witness firsthand the impact the clinic is providing to local families in our community."
Ashley Simpson