We are thrilled to announce that Penelope Codrington has joined our board! Penelope was born in England to West Indian parents. She immigrated to the United States from Barbados as a teenager. She is currently a corporate attorney and deal facilitator in Washington DC. Penelope has practiced law in the United States and in Europe for…
Read MoreAkin Gump Pro Bono Rock Stars Join VECINA as Mentors
VECINA is excited to announce that five attorneys from the law firm Akin Gump have joined VECINA as mentors. Akin Gump is a global law firm dedicated to social justice. It has a robust pro bono practice in which many of its attorneys participate. All of our new mentors have vast experience in asylum law…
Read MoreVECINA Pro Bono Attorneys Receive Parole Grant for Minor Client with Kidney Issues
In May 2020, two of our pro bono attorneys, Imani and Anjelica, began representing a family of four from Venezuela, under the supervision of VECINA’s Virginia Raymond. The older child has a kidney issue that requires continued medical attention. The family tried to raise this issue with the court twice in January and February when…
Read MoreEOIR and DOJ Will Not Resume MPP Hearings Until Certain Criteria Are Met
The Department of Justice and the Executive Office for Immigration Review announced Friday that it will not resume hearings under the Migrant Protection Protocols until certain criteria are met. Those criteria are as follows: Texas, Arizona, and California must all be in Phase 3 of their reopening plans; The Department of State and the Center…
Read MoreMPP Hearings Tentatively Scheduled to Resume on July 20th
The Department of Homeland Security and Executive Office for Immigration Review Issued a joint statement on the scheduling of hearings subject to the Migrant Protection Protocol. Below is the official statement: Joint DHS/EOIR Statement on MPP Rescheduling The Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) remain committed to proceeding with Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP)…
Read MoreMPP Cases Face Further Delays and Confusing Instructions
Last night, the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Department of Justice issued a joint statement announcing further delays in Migrant Protection Protocol cases due to COVID-19. Not only did the agencies announce an additional delay, but it also issued confusing instructions as to when asylum seekers should appear at the point of entry…
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