Description
For those of you who missed our December 2023 virtual conference, "Proceeding in Proceedings: Legal and Practical Strategies for Survivor-Based Removal Defense," the recordings are now available for purchase.
The virtual conference is composed of six separate sessions, however session 3: "DHS Panel: Updates in DHS Policy and Practice," was not recorded. You still can buy all five sessions togheter and save $100! or buy individual sessions.
This two-day conference is intended for intermediate attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives who have experience or interest in working with immigrant survivors in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court.
ASISTA attorney experts will be joined by other national leaders in the field to discuss the latest developments in defending immigrant survivors before EOIR. Day One will focus on creating a case strategy based on the letter of the law (your “strategy on paper”), and Day Two will wade into the complications that arise when putting that strategy into action (requiring a revised “strategy in practice”). Topics for discussion include recent precedential decisions and changes to the law; how to make the most of policy shifts like limited appearances and video conferencing; and the latest recommendations in the realm of prosecutorial discretion.
Day ONE: Strategy on Paper
Session 1: Refresher on Survivor-Based Relief in Proceedings (1.5 hrs.)
In this session, we center ourselves for the rest of the conference with a high-level review of the main survivor-based forms of relief, VAWA-based adjustment, VAWA Cancellation of Removal, U status, and T status. In addition to the elements of the applications, we discuss issues unique to the removal setting, such as jurisdictional intricacies and obtaining continuances to pursue relief before USCIS.
Speakers:
- Julio Cortes del Olmo, Del Olmo Law
- Jesse Evans-Schroeder, Green Evans-Schroeder
- Kelly Head, ASISTA
Session 2: Issues in Detained Proceedings (1 hr.)
In this session, we turn to survivors in detention. Starting with a review of the different bases for detention and release, we also discuss recognizing the influence of trauma and systemic biases on who gets detained and for how long. We discuss fashioning arguments on these points, and otherwise advocating for your clients to receive all appropriate services and access to justice while in detention.
Speakers:
- Katharine Gordon, CAIR Coalition
- Rebecca Eissenova, ASISTA
Day TWO: Strategy in Practice
Session 4: Latest Discretion Strategies for Survivor Respondents: OPLA PD practices, and ERO enforcement guidance (1.5 hrs.)
In this session, we cover policy-based strategies for representing survivors in removal proceedings, including prosecutorial discretion with OPLA and the ICE Victims-Centered Approach. Discussion will include both the letter and intent behind the policies, and how they are actually being implemented.
Speakers:
- Daniella Prieshoff, Tahirih Justice Center
- Cristina Velez, ASISTA
Session 5: Post-Conviction Relief for Survivors: (1 hr.)
In this session, we focus first on when post-conviction relief is –and is not–helpful to immigrant survivors. We then discuss PCR advocacy strategies for criminalized immigrant survivors.
Speakers:
- Sabrina Damast, Law Office of Sabrina Damast
- Denise Grosman, Immigrant Defense Project
- Lia Ocasio, ASISTA
Session Six: Experts Roundtable (1.5 hrs.)
To round out the conference, we hear from experts on the many surprises and quagmires that can arise when putting strategies into action. Drawing on questions from the audience and those that arise in ASISTA’s one-on-one strategy calls, we will cover tips for when client testimony veers off course, when judges or TAs behave unexpectedly, and when cultural or language differences need to be addressed on record. We also discuss harnessing the options for limited representation and video appearances in survivor cases - along with other avant-garde practical advice.
Speakers:
- Sabrina Damast, Law Office of Sabrina Damast
- Julio Cortes del Olmo, Del Olmo Law
- Jesse Evans-Schroeder, Green Evans-Schroeder
- Katharine Gordon, CAIR Coalition
- Daniella Prieshoff, Tahirih Justice Center.
Moderator:
Disclaimer: Content is current as of date of recording. It is your responsibility to ensure content is up to date. Written materials accompany the recording. Please note that you will not receive CLE credit for watching the recording.
