Mission: The New American Legal Clinic will prepare SJCL students for the practice of law, in any area of law, through a comprehensive experiential learning model while promoting SJCL’s dynamism, serving the needs of our local community and encouraging immigrant integration.
SJCL students enrolled in the Clinic will take on all major aspects of representing a client before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), including interviewing clients, preparing forms, analyzing and arguing complex legal issues, and attending USCIS applicant interviews. As the Clinic grows, we will expand our scope of practice to represent clients before the United States Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals.
While the Clinic will focus on immigration, students will gain practical skills and overarching values necessary to succeed in any field they pursue, legal or non-legal. This effort aligns with American Bar Association’s recommendations that law schools provide more opportunities for students to obtain real-life lawyering experience while in school, as well as SJCL’s mission: One Degree. A World of Options.
Students will be responsible for the following issues:
- Naturalization Applications:Once a Legal Permanent Resident (“LPR”) has been in the country for at least five years and shows good moral character, the LPR has the option to become a citizen through the naturalization process. Students will provide naturalization workshops, as well as individual counseling, to assist in the process to obtain citizenship.
- Family-Based Immigrant Visas:Family-based immigrant visas provide the way for spouses, children, and other family members of citizens, to immigrate to the United States. Students will guide families through this process and attend the final “interview” with the client at the USCIS office.
- U-Visas:The U visa is available to non-citizens who suffer substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of certain criminal activity. To be eligible for a U visa, the victim must possess information concerning the criminal activity and be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Students will help the victim obtain the required certification from a "certifying agency" certifying the applicant’s helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution, and guide them through the application process.
"My experience with NALC was the most impactful and rewarding part of my law school journey. It gave me meaningful exposure to different forms of immigration relief while allowing me to strengthen my interviewing skills. What stood out most was the hands-on work with real clients, especially the opportunity to advocate for applicants during their naturalization interviews before USCIS. The staff and supervising attorneys are truly passionate about their work and are always willing to support and guide students. I highly encourage students to take clinical units at NALC, as it is a great way to gain real-world experience and see client-centered advocacy in practice."
Rosa Nava Garcia
"Working as a Law Clerk at NALC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time at SJCL. My experience at NALC has provided me with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools necessary to grow professionally. Beyond developing my legal skills, NALC has given me the opportunity to work directly with clients and experience firsthand the impact that immigration law can have on individuals and families. The entire NALC team is deeply committed to advocating for its clients and pursuing the best possible outcomes in each case. In particular, NALC Director Jessica Jaramillo Perez has inspired me to advocate fiercely and diligently for my clients, even when the circumstances may seem stacked against you. I am grateful to have been part of a clinic that is dedicated to providing meaningful legal services to families throughout the Central Valley."
Nancy Diaz
“My experiences at NALC remain among my favorite memories so far at law school. Not only were the staff there so helpful and welcoming, but having the opportunity to work directly with clients and their families was an amazing experience as well. From preparing naturalization applications, preparing removal defense motions, to attending interviews with clients, NALC provided me with a very hands-on way to learn more about the immigration field. Being able to provide support directly to our local community is also an incredibly rewarding opportunity and serves as a great reminder as to why being strong advocates for our clients is so important. I highly recommend students to take NALC if they wish to be part of a program that provides amazing hands-on, in-the-field, experience and shows the true value of giving back to your community.”
Edna Villicana Madrigal
“Immigration Law is so fascinating. Students will learn about naturalization, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), U-Visa and Asylum. I learned so much at NALC and helped to file at least 40 petitions, some of which were complex cases and included legal defense against removal proceedings. Getting involved with NALC allowed me to provide services for clients in need, and that feels good.”
August Petersen