Navigating Immigration Removal Proceedings: Strategies for Representing Non-citizens

Removal proceedings are a highly complex and rapidly evolving area of law. For any attorney representing non-citizens, or considering doing so, a deep understanding of this field is not merely beneficial; it is essential for ethical and effective advocacy. Studies consistently demonstrate that individuals facing removal proceedings without legal representation face a significantly higher risk of removal, regardless of their eligibility for relief. This program offers a critical opportunity to equip attorneys with the specialized knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate the intricacies of immigration court. The current enforcement environment, coupled with frequent policy changes, demands that legal professionals stay at the forefront of this dynamic practice area.

This program will cover the foundations of immigration removal proceedings. This includes the removal proceedings process, from its initiation through to its potential outcomes. Participants will learn the grounds of inadmissibility and deportability (i.e., why can someone be removed from the United States?) Attendees will learn to identify and apply forms of relief from removal (i.e., how can you prevent a non-citizen from being removed from the United States?) and develop effective strategies for Representing Non-citizens in Removal Proceedings.

This course is designed for any attorney who is considering representing non-citizens in removal proceedings and those who are newer to practicing before the Immigration Courts.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain a thorough overview of the entire removal proceedings process from initiation of proceedings (Notice to Appear) through types of hearings (Master Calendar and Individual Merits Hearings) and potential outcomes. 
2. Differentiate between the various grounds for inadmissibility and deportability under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which is crucial for identifying the basis of a client's removal proceedings and identifying potential relief from removal. 
3. Explore available avenues for relief, including but not limited to asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), cancellation of removal for certain non-permanent residents and lawful permanent residents, adjustment of status, and waivers. 
4. Develop best practices for client intake, developing a robust legal strategy, preparing and presenting evidence, conducting direct and cross-examinations, and crafting persuasive legal arguments in immigration court.