Center for Applied Legal Studies
CALS represents refugees in the United States seeking fear-based immigration relief, particularly asylum, because of harm and threatened harm in their home countries. Students in CALS assume primary responsibility for the representation of asylum seekers in affirmative and defensive (non-detained and detained) asylum cases.
Students work in pairs on one major case during the semester in preparation for an interview with an Asylum Officer or a hearing before an Immigration Judge. Students interview their client(s), research and corroborate the human rights record of the country of origin, develop documentary and testimonial records showing the client either suffered past harm or will suffer future harm if forced to return, locate and prepare witnesses, and represent the client at an interview or hearing. Students also will also learn about the immigration detention system, including through a volunteer day at a local immigration detention facility.
CALS’ professors and fellows help students prepare for their cases through weekly classes, simulation exercises, tutorial meetings, and mock hearings conducted a few days before real interviews and hearings are held. The teacher/student ratio is 4:1, ensuring extensive supervision in the preparation and execution of each case.
Prospective students can view a recording of the CALS open house here.
Link to clinic eligibility & registration
During the fall 2026 semester, CALS faculty will undertake a consultative process with local immigrant stakeholders, advocates, and the Georgetown Law community to help shape the clinic’s future direction. During that semester, CALS will generally operate under its existing model.
Beginning in spring 2027, we anticipate implementing a revised model that will retain direct representation while incorporating community-based advocacy work. Although CALS will continue to represent asylum seekers, we expect to broaden the docket to include other case types. Possibilities include additional forms of humanitarian immigration relief (such as cases involving trafficking survivors and unaccompanied youth), matters at the intersection of criminal and immigration law, and federal habeas litigation.