Pro Bono Attorneys

Multiple studies have shown that asylum seekers are 4 times more likely to win asylum if they have an attorney. And we know this to be true through our direct experience representing hundreds of asylum seekers over the years.

PAIR's ability to serve over 1,700 clients each year is only made possible because of our incredible pro bono community, made up of dedicated volunteers and law firm partners like you. Together, we ensure that asylum seekers are not alone, and always have zealous advocates in their corner.

Time Commitment: 60-80 hours.

PAIR clients seeking asylum have survived great trauma and managed to flee to the U.S. with little resources, all for the chance of a safe haven. Pro bono attorneys are needed to help asylum seekers file the application for asylum, withholding of removal, and/or CAT relief, which is done by Form I-589 and supporting documents, including the client’s declaration, personal documents to corroborate past persecution, expert affidavits (medical and conditions in the home country), lay witness declarations, and a country conditions report documenting poor human rights conditions in the applicant’s home country.

Time Commitment: 4-5 hours.

Pro bono attorneys are needed to help conduct intakes of individuals currently held in the custody of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Massachusetts and in Wyatt, Rhode Island. Along with PAIR staff, pro bono attorneys conduct intakes for detained individuals who do not already have counsel, in order to make an initial assessment of their situations, including any fear or danger if the individual is deported to their home country. PAIR will provide all the necessary forms as well as training, and a PAIR mentor will accompany pro bono attorneys at the detention center.

Time Commitment: 12-18 hours.

After a detained immigrant’s case has been screened and evaluated by a PAIR attorney, pro bono attorneys can represent the client for a bond hearing. Evidence presented may include the client’s own affidavit and testimony, affidavits by family or community members, supporting documents that show the client’s ties to the community or family in the U.S., length of residence in the country, employment history, and other factors. Pro bono attorneys will need to meet with the detained client at least once before the bond hearing before the Immigration Judge. The hearing is conducted remotely by Webex.

Time Commitment: 4-6 hours.

Pro bono partners are needed to host and staff PAIR’s quarterly Asylum Intake Clinics, where we provide screening and asylum intake services for asylum seekers in need of full legal representation before the immigration services. PAIR staff conduct the initial prescreening and assign clients to the hosting partner. We ask that our pro bono partners coordinate the clinic and support the intake of 10-15 asylum asylum seekers, providing intake staff, interpretation, and in-person and remote interview options. PAIR will provide logistical support and intake training. Each intake is a two-three page write-up, using the PAIR intake form, of the client’s immigration history and summary of their claim.

Time Commitment: 50 hours.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) provides relief for undocumented children and is a route to legal immigration status. SIJS is granted for purposes of obtaining relief for an unaccompanied minor child. In order to demonstrate eligibility for SIJS status, one must be an immigrant present in the U.S.; be under age 21 at the time the SIJS petition is filed; remain unmarried; deemed a dependent on a Juvenile or Probate Court, and whose reunification with one or both of the immigrant’s parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found under state law and that it is in the minor’s best interest not to be returned to the country of origin. Pro bono attorneys will present before the state family court and immigration court.

Time Commitment: 1-3 hours.

PAIR volunteers conduct presentations to empower and inform community members of their basic constitutional and immigration legal rights, to discuss raids preparedness, to inform immigrants about what to expect in immigration court, and to help them avoid unscrupulous practitioners who might take advantage of them and/or provide false information. PAIR has developed the presentation, a script, and toolkit for volunteers to follow. We work closely with community partners, including community centers that offer services to immigrants, health centers, local non-profits, and immigration legal services. The KYRs are held statewide, remotely or on-site in places of worship, libraries, community centers, health centers, and schools.

Time Commitment: 15-20 hours.

After a detained immigrant’s case has been screened and evaluated by a PAIR attorney, pro bono attorneys can help the client file a habeas corpus petition in U.S. District Court to request the client’s release from detention. Habeas petitions may be filed after the client has been held in detention for more than six months following the issuance of a final order of removal. Evidence included in the petition may include the client’s own affidavit and testimony, affidavits by family or community members, supporting documents that show the client’s ties to the community or family in the U.S., length of residence in the country, employment history, and other factors. Pro bono attorneys typically will meet with the detained client once before completing the habeas petition. There is usually no hearing before the District Court.

Time Commitment: 20 hours.

Pro bono attorneys are needed to prepare applications for individuals to become lawful permanent residents (or “adjustment of status”) following a grant of asylum. The application form I-485 must be submitted to USCIS, along with information showing the asylee has had asylum status for one year, continues to meet the refugee definition, and has proof of continuous presence in the U.S. for at least one year. In addition to assisting the client to fill the form, pro bono attorneys will help put together the supplementary packet, including ensuring the client has the immigration medical exam with a designated civil surgeon.

Time Commitment: 60-80 hours.

This type of relief is available for certain refugees who have criminal convictions and who have not previously applied for adjustment of status (i.e., a green card). The applicant must demonstrate humanitarian reasons that the refugee should not be deported. The application for Refugee Adjustment requires filing Form I-602 (waiver form) and Form I-485 (application for adjustment of status) before the Immigration Court, with supporting documents, including: a client declaration regarding the humanitarian reasons that weigh against deportation, personal documents to corroborate past persecution, expert affidavits (medical and conditions in the home country), lay witness declarations, and a “country conditions” packet documenting poor human rights conditions in the applicant’s home country.

Time Commitment: 40 hours.

Pro bono attorneys are needed to help clients file a U visa application. The U visa applies to immigrants who are the victims of certain serious crimes and who have cooperated with authorities in the prosecution of the perpetrator. An immigrant granted a U Visa relief will subsequently be given legal status to reside and work in the U.S., and can eventually apply for a green card.

Time Commitment: 10-12 hours.

After a detained immigrant’s case has been screened and evaluated by a PAIR attorney, pro bono attorneys can represent the client to request the client’s release from ICE on parole. Evidence presented to ICE may include the client’s own affidavit and testimony, affidavits by family or community members, supporting documents that show the client’s ties to the community or family in the U.S., length of residence in the country, employment history, and other factors. Pro bono attorneys typically will need to meet with the detained client once before completing the parole submission to ICE. There is no hearing before the Immigration Judge.

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