PAIR's Pro Bono Asylum Program is the leading program in Massachusetts to recruit, mentor and train attorneys from private law firms to represent without charge low-income asylum-seekers who have fled from persecution throughout the world. The goal of this program is to secure safety for people who have tried to exercise freedoms we take for granted: the right to express opinions, freedom of speech and assembly, or the right to practice a religion.

The asylum process is long, complex, highly specialized, and often intimidating. Upon arrival in the U.S., asylum-seekers are hopeful about their newfound freedom, but soon learn how overwhelming the asylum process can be. All PAIR clients are matched with volunteer attorneys who prepare and present the client's case before the asylum office and/or the immigration court. Attorneys work with their clients to file the I-589 asylum application and to submit supporting evidence, including the client declaration, expert affidavits, and country condition documentation. PAIR has recruited, trained and mentored over 1,250 pro bono attorneys in private practice to represent asylum-seekers and immigration detainees.

You can make a difference!
The PAIR Project has several compelling asylum cases that require pro bono representation. If interested, contact Anita Sharma.

Upcoming Trainings
PAIR regularly holds trainings for pro bono attorneys representing asylum-seekers. Learn about scheduled PAIR trainings in immigration topics and how to RSVP here.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Contacts

Newark Asylum Office
(201) 531-0555
Fax: (201) 531-1877

Boston Asylum Sub-Office
(617) 565-9030
Fax: (617) 565-9044

Boston Immigration Court
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
15 New Sudbury Street, Room 320
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 565-3080

Board of Immigration Appeals
(703) 305-0289