Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming trainings scheduled at this time. Please check back with us soon. You can find the materials from our past trainings below.
Past Events
7/19/2023
THE PROTECTED GROUNDS SERIES:
MEMBERSHIP IN A PARTICULAR SOCIAL GROUP
WHAT: The Welcome Legal Alliance’s Ask the Experts team presents a three-part series to help attorneys and accredited representatives understand the nuances of the protected grounds for Afghan OAW/OAR asylum seekers. This one-hour presentation will help legal representatives navigate the the membership in a particular social group ground.
WEBINAR INCLUDES:
- Legal standards for each ground
- How do identify facts related to each ground
- Strategies to argue each ground
SPEAKERS:
Mona Iman, Human Rights First
Sara French, Immigration Justice Campaign
PRESENTATION RECORDING:
PRESENTATION SLIDES:
5/12/2023
ASYLUM-BASED EADs FOR CLIENTS IN REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS
WHAT: Join VECINA and the American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration for an informative webinar on how to help your clients apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) while seeking asylum in removal proceedings. Panelists will discuss common issues impacting (c)(8) EADs, including the asylum clock and prosecutorial discretion. The webinar will also cover practical tips to keep in mind when applying for EADs. This presentation is geared toward practitioners interested in taking a pro bono immigration case to represent a family on the dedicated docket, and to pro bono attorneys and practitioners new to immigration law. The presentation aims to provide information and practical pointers to guide advocates in their representation.
The content of this program does not meet requirements for continuing legal education (CLE) accreditation. You will not receive CLE credit for participating.
While this webinar is not specifically geared toward practitioners representing Afghans in removal proceedings, it may benefit those of you who are working with Afghan clients who fall into this category.
SPEAKERS:
Kelsey Sloop – Training & Legal Support Attorney, American Immigration Council
Chelsea Mack – Mentoring Attorney, VECINA
PRESENTATION RECORDING:
PRESENTATION SLIDES:
Q&A:
5/4/2023
THE PROTECTED GROUNDS SERIES:
RACE AND NATIONALITY GROUNDS
WHAT: The Welcome Legal Alliance’s Ask the Experts team presents a three-part series to help attorneys and accredited representatives understand the nuances of the protected grounds for Afghan OAW/OAR asylum seekers. This one-hour presentation will help legal representatives navigate the race and nationality grounds.
WEBINAR INCLUDES:
- Legal standards for each ground
- How do identify facts related to each ground
- Strategies to argue each ground
PRESENTATION RECORDING:
PRESENTATION SLIDES:
4/20/2023
THE PROTECTED GROUNDS SERIES:
POLITICAL OPINION AND RELIGION GROUNDS
WHAT: The Welcome Legal Alliance’s Ask the Experts team presents a three-part series to help attorneys and accredited representatives understand the nuances of the protected grounds for Afghan OAW/OAR asylum seekers. This one-hour presentation will help legal representatives navigate the political opinion and religion grounds.
WEBINAR INCLUDES:
- Legal standards for each ground
- How to identify facts related to each ground
- Strategies to argue each ground
PRESENTATION RECORDING:
PRESENTATION SLIDES:
3/1/2023
The Intersection of TPS and Asylum for Afghan Parolees: Considerations for Practitioners and Pro Bono Attorneys
Thousands of Afghans who were evacuated to the U.S. beginning in August 2021 when the Taliban assumed control were granted a temporary parole status that is valid for only two years. Some have already successfully applied for a more permanent legal status like asylum – but many more are in the process of doing so or still need to. Faced with increasing asylum processing delays and the impending expiration of parole statuses beginning in August 2023, how should legal practitioners advise Afghan clients to ensure continuity of status (as well as work authorization) while they pursue asylum applications? Under what circumstances should they also apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)? How do those applications affect the other? Are there other strategies to consider?
Join the Welcome Legal Alliance for a webinar to discuss these approaches – and how volunteers can help.
SPEAKERS:
Jennie Guilfoyle, Legal Director, VECINA
Ilana Greenstein, Senior Attorney, Immigration Justice Campaign
Adonia Simpson, Director of Policy and Pro Bono, ABA Commission on Immigration
Karen Lucas, Consulting Senior Advisor, Welcome.US (Moderator)
PRESENTATION RECORDING:
PRESENTATION SLIDES:
2/23/2023
Asylum Declaration Training for Attorneys and Accredited Representatives Working with Afghan OAW/OAR Parolees
WHAT: A one-hour presentation to help attorneys and accredited representatives navigate the beginning stages of application preparation for their Afghan OAW/OAR asylum clients.
TRAINING INCLUDES:
- Tips on how to conduct the initial client meeting
- Tips on drafting the asylum declaration
- Tips on drafting witness statements
PRESENTATION RECORDING:
PRESENTATION SLIDES:
1/26/2023
AFGHAN ASYLUM INTERVIEW ORIENTATION SESSION FOR ATTORNEYS AND ACCREDITED REPRESENTATIVES
WHAT: A one-hour presentation to help attorneys and accredited representatives prepare their Afghan OAW/OAR asylum applicants for their asylum interviews.
WEBINAR INCLUDES:
- Purpose of the interview
- Guiding your client through the logistics of the asylum office
- Types of questions the Asylum Officer will ask your client
- Tips on how to prepare your client for the interview
PRESENTATION RECORDING:
PRESENTATION SLIDES:
These webinars are presented in collaboration with members of the Welcome Legal Alliance.
