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I hope this newsletter finds you well as we continue to deal with COVID while beginning to envision a “post-COVID” world. KGACLC is learning, growing, and holding on to all that is good during this time. Our commitment to teaching and service and our resolve to assist clients while providing a rich educational experience for students is as strong as ever. The past year has brought challenges, among them the escalated anti-Asian and Asian American violence happening in our nation. We are saddened and unequivocally condemn these violent actions rooted in racism. KGACLC stands in solidarity, while learning and participating in anti-racism efforts including bystander intervention training. Read Dean Anna Han’s statement here and see the resources shared by the Santa Clara Law Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) law student organizations to help increase awareness and positive action: Resources:
Despite the current challenges, we press on. Together with our students and volunteers, KGACLC provides educational workshops, advice clinics, and direct legal representation, reaching 1,000 clients annually with consumer, workers’ rights, and immigration law matters. The stories below highlight our immigration practice and gives a glimpse into our work. Please also see our KGACLC survey – we want to hear from you. Times like this show our true character. We are standing strong together, thanks to your continued support. Be informed. Be safe. Be well. Deborah Moss West JD ’94
SPRING BREAK BORDER TRIP In March 2021, five Santa Clara law students, three of whom are enrolled in KGACLC immigration clinical practice, along with Professor Abriel and Professor Parker, participated in the Spring Break Border Service Project at the Florence Immigration and Refugee Rights Project (FIRRP) in Arizona. COVID restrictions meant the work on behalf of detained immigrants was undertaken virtually; yet, the work and the experience were equally as engaging and valuable to all participants as in past years. Law students assisted with research, letters to parole immigrant detainees from detention facilities because of vulnerabilities to COVID, and other projects the Florence Project had indicated would help their legal staff. The Florence Project provided introductions to each of their teams within the Adult Team, including those working at the border, those providing legal consults and pro per services for detainees, those providing direct legal services, and those providing appellate and amicus legal services. The students and professors gained valuable insight into the reality of the situation for adult immigrant detainees and the hard work of the Florence Project on their behalf. The 2021 Border Service Project was a resounding success; the Santa Clara team is quite grateful to have contributed in this critical effort. Join us in thanking law students Kaitlyn Fontaine ’23, David Cruz Quevedo ’22, Ruby Ramirez ’21, Vanessa Sibrian ’21 and Jacquelyn Silva ’21 for spending their spring break in service to others.
IMMIGRATION PRACTICE AREA STUDENTS STILL SERVE! Working through cell-phones, online tools, and regular mail, Santa Clara law students and KGACLC staff continue to screen over a dozen clients at each of our Immigration Advice Clinics. Vigilant as ever, the law students work virtually maintaining active caseloads, preparing and filing applications on behalf of the Law Center’s immigration clients. Oftentimes, clients come to us with multiple legal issues to address. One such case involved Ms. MQ, the spouse of a human trafficking survivor. Her husband was not only trafficked in a forced labor situation in Santa Clara County but he was also severely injured while doing that work. Mr. DQ is physically disabled and relies on Ms. MQ for financial and emotional support. KGACLC assisted Ms. MQ in applying for a T-2 visa and work authorization. Recently approved for the visa, she is now able to find better employment and can remain in the United States to support her husband (who was also approved for a T visa). This is just one example of how KGACLC works with families to help secure a more stable immigration status, obtain better access to health care, and increase employment opportunities.
Austin Guerrero ’22 LAW CENTER SUPPORTER SURVEY We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback will keep KGACLC’s student and client programs innovative and strong. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts as we plan for KGACLC’s future in the years ahead. Please click here to complete our survey. Thank you for your time and perspective. APRIL 21st DAY OF GIVING On April 21st, Go All In for KGACLC during SCU’s annual Day of Giving. The event provides a chance to highlight the many departments and programs throughout SCU committed to supporting positive change and action. We cannot do our work without the continued support of alumni and friends. On Day of Giving, we hope you will respond to the email designating your gift to KGACLC and partner in our efforts to educate, advocate, and serve.
SAVE THE DATE – ANNUAL CELEBRATION, Each year, the Law Center holds an event to Celebrate community, commitment, and courage, while also recognizing those who make our work possible. Please save-the-date and watch your email for details on how we will commemorate another year of teaching and service this fall. YOUR VOLUNTEER AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT WILL HELP KGACLC:
Interested in volunteering or joining our Advisory Board? Contact Deborah Moss-West or Board Chair Delma Locke to learn more. We would like to hear from you. Give to the Alexander
Community Law Center
Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center Phone: (408) 288-7030 | Fax: (408) 288-3581 |
A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“Working on Mr. and Ms. Q’s case alongside the immigration staff was one of the most fulfilling and impactful experiences of my fall 2L year. It provided me an opportunity to learn more about immigration law as well as directly help members of our community navigate the immigration system. The result was life-changing.”
