Brandeis Human Rights Advocacy Program hosts DACA renewal clinic

Brandeis Human Rights Advocacy Program hosts DACA renewal clinic

On Sept. 27, 2017, the Brandeis Human Rights Advocacy Program hosted a DACA renewal clinic, along with community partners.

The clinic was conceived and organized by HRAP co-director Professor Enid Trucios-Haynes; HRAP’s signature partner, La Casita Center (Karina Barillas and Shaky Palacios); and attorney Nima Kulkarni of the New Americans Initiative.  

Approximately 20 local lawyers joined HRAP student fellows and law student volunteers, who conducted initial client consultations by pre-screening applications and reviewing documents. Law students also assisted the pro bono attorneys during their client consultations.

Kulkarni served as the immigration law practice expert, providing guidance to the pro bono lawyers. She had conducted a Louisville Bar Association training for interested lawyers the day before.

Christie Moore of Bingham Greenebaum Doll and the Women’s Forum generously donated funds for the food and application fees. Moore, a 1997 Brandeis Law alum, also brought 10 attorneys from the law firm to provide pro bono consultations, all of whom received the training at the LBA.

Bryan Warren with the Louisville Mayor’s Office of Globalization was instrumental in linking the group to the Community Foundation, which provided funds for more than 10 applications.

The University of Louisville provided free parking during the event, and the Office of Hispanic/Latino Initiatives helped with outreach to students and community.

HRAP is dedicated to advancing the human rights of the local immigrant, noncitizen and refugee community. This is the second pro bono clinic sponsored in 2017. In Spring 2017, HRAP hosted a clinic to address the travel restrictions enacted by President Trump.