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ILCM Launches Family Unity Clinics
Posted on May 05 2016
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Pictured is Mirella Ceja-Orozco, an ILCM pro bono attorney
ILCM, in partnership with the Volunteer Lawyers Network (VLN), recently launched a new pro bono project, the Family Unity Self-Help Clinic. Volunteer legal staff provide legal advice and brief services to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota regarding family petitions and immigrant visa processing. The goal of the clinic is to provide the most holistic legal services available in a clinic format, including comprehensive legal screenings, general education about the family reunification process, bilingual pro se materials, identification of alternative forms of reliefs for clients, on-site brief services, and placement for full representation where possible.
Services relating to family reunification represent one of the most frequently requested services for immigrant and refugee communities, but due to limited funding, legal aid offices are often not able to meet those needs. The Family Unity Clinic was developed as a first step to increase access to services in this legal area, and to support immigrant families in Minnesota. Family Unity Self-Help Clinics are held every six weeks, and alternate between the ILCM St. Paul office and a location in Minneapolis overseen by VLN. Clients may contact ILCM’s intake line to register for clinics.