Notre Dame Law Students assist with asylum applications and eviction sealings at clinics

Earlier this spring, Notre Dame Law School organized two legal clinics within the South Bend community.

At Notre Dame’s Innovation Park, law students and undergraduate translators partnered with the National Immigrant Justice Center to assist asylum applicants.

The student-organized clinic assisted participants with the beginning stages of asylum applications. Asylum provides individuals with a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country with the right to remain in the United States. If granted, it also provides individuals with a path to citizenship.

Ten attendees were able to complete their asylum applications, which NIJC assisted with filing in the Chicago Immigration Court or with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Submitting this form is the first step in the time-sensitive process of applying for asylum in the U.S. All clinic participants received the services free of charge.

Meanwhile, across town at the Portage School of Leaders, students from Notre Dame Law School’s Eviction Clinic hosted a walk-in clinic for eviction sealings.

The Eviction Clinic students were able to help clients directly while considering their larger role in making meaningful changes at the legislative level.

Over the course of the semester and after meeting with walk-in clients, the Eviction Clinic sealed 43 cases.

Order of St. Thomas More members help provide Notre Dame Law Students with experiential learning opportunities like these, allowing them to learn how to make a positive impact through their education in justice and law.

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