Safe Passage Project

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About the Project

Each year since 2001, approximately 86,000 juveniles have been apprehended by U.S. immigration officials while entering the U.S. illegally. Many of these children are unaccompanied and are seeking refuge from abuse and maltreatment. Others come to the U.S. with parents or family members who are unable or unwilling to care for them. Because the immigration process is a civil system, aliens in the U.S. are not entitled to legal counsel at government expense. As a result, many immigrant children face a complex system on their own.

The Safe Passage Immigration Project, a division of the Justice Action Center at New York Law School, works with volunteer attorneys and New York Law School students to provide representation of unaccompanied minors in the immigration process. Safe Passage provides trainings, resources, and mentoring to volunteer attorneys regarding Special Immigrant Juvenile (“SIJ”) status as well as other possible immigration alternatives for children. (To learn more about SIJ status, click here .)

In recognition of its outstanding community involvement, Safe Passage was awarded the New York State Bar Association’s President Award for Pro Bono Service for 2008.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Safe Passage Project, please click here

Upcoming Events

Safe Passage Immigration Project of the Justice Action Center and the Diane E. Abbey Center for Children and Families at New York Law School present an evening of skills training:

Representing Immigrant Youth in Immigration and Family Court Proceedings Relating to Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

Date: Thursday, September 13, 2012
Time: 6-9p.m.
Location: New York Law School, Second Floor Event Center
185 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013

This event is FREE

Three skills CLE credits are available

Register here: nyls.wufoo.com/forms/safe-passage-immigration-project/

In this three hour program, attorneys will observe scenes from proceedings held in immigration court and in family court as a young immigrant is assisted through the system so that he can apply for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. The event will also include discussion with attorneys and judges about the best practices and tips about client interviewing, supporting documentation, and witness preparation. Materials will include links to additional video content on the basic law and procedures as well as descriptive materials and sample pleadings.