The Ins and Outs of Filing Asylum Applications

Watch this course for CLE credit on CLE Hero here.

The new federal administration will do everything possible to make the asylum process even more difficult. This will likely mean that immigrants who have come to the U.S. to escape violence and persecution because of their HIV status and/or their sexual orientation or gender identity may no longer be eligible to apply for asylum and face deportation under the mass arrest program promised by the incoming administration.

For this reason, it is crucial that individuals who are eligible under the current guidelines apply before January 20, 2025.

In early January, ALRP is hosting screening clinics where immigration attorneys will meet with HIV+ undocumented residents to gauge whether they are good candidates for asylum or some other form of legal relief. Those who are deemed to be good candidates will then be matched with attorneys who have agreed to work on a pro bono basis to help complete asylum applications and submit them no later than January 17. This assistance will be on a limited scope basis for purposed of filing applications only.

In this training, Rachel Kafele, Director of Program and Advocacy at Oasis Legal Services, presents the ins and outs of filing asylum applications so you will be prepared to pitch in. This includes how HIV status (possibly coupled with sexual orientation/gender identity) comes in and important evidence to include in a petition. ALRP will also have immigration attorneys available to help answer questions once you start working with a client.

To find out more about ALRP’s Asylum Campaign, visit www.alrp.org/asylum or contact Pro Bono Panel Manager Jake Creecy at jakec@alrp.org.