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.