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Module 1 focuses on how to successfully work with immigrants, and is the foundation for the program.

Upon completion of Module 1, you will be able to:

• Contextualize the global migration phenomenon
• Demonstrate an understanding of the structure of government, sources of law and the immigration ecosystem
• Interview an immigrant
• Appreciate and be sensitive to cultural difference
• Draft professional documents
• Practice ethical advocacy for a client
• Engage in self- and communal- care

Select students may elect to complete their study at this point. These students likely will be employed in a field in which they interact regularly with immigrants – social workers, educational counselors, pastoral workers and other members of religious congregations, and health care workers. Their specific training needs would focus on how to work successfully with immigrants, and not on immigration law.

Others interested in adding to this foundational knowledge may decide to proceed to Module 2 and Module 3.

Most students will begin the program by enrolling in this first module, although others who have relevant experience may enter directly into Module 2 or 3 with approval from the College of Professional Studies during the enrollment process.

Modules 2 and 3 focus on immigration law and practice.

They are designed to train people to become  partially accredited representatives (Module 2), or fully accredited representatives (Module 3).  

Upon completion of Module 2, you will be able to:

• Conduct a thorough intake interview with a potential client, including drafting a thorough new client intake form to use to gather facts from clients during interviews;
• Assess a client’s case for eligibility for various immigration benefits;
• Analyze new areas of the law to determine the elements that need to be proven;
• Plan an immigration case;
• Conduct legal research;
• Establish eligibility for an immigration benefit including gathering facts and evidence to support the elements of the immigration benefit;
• Prepare an application and supporting evidence for submission to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
• Maintain an office case file for a client (professional development);
• Draft persuasive professional documents (applications, declarations, cover/argument letter);
• Engage in self- and communal-care;
• Compile an application to become a DOJ partially accredited representative; (professional development)
• Practice ethical service and advocacy for a client.

Upon completion of Module 3, you will be able to:

• Conduct a removal hearing in immigration court;
• Conduct a thorough intake interview with a potential client whose case is in removal proceedings, including drafting a thorough new client intake form to use to gather facts from clients during interviews;
• Assess a client’s case for eligibility for various forms of relief from removal/deportation;
• Analyze new areas of the law to determine the elements that need to be proven;
• Plan an immigration case for proceedings before an immigration court;
• Establish eligibility for relief from removal, including gathering facts and evidence to support the elements of the form of relief;
• Conduct legal research on immigration law;
• Prepare an application and supporting evidence for submission to an immigration court;
• Prepare a client and witnesses to testify in immigration court;
• Draft and present an opening statement, closing argument and direct examination;
• Maintain an office case file for a client (professional development);
• Draft persuasive professional documents (applications, declarations, cover/argument letter);
• Engage in self- and communal-care;
• Compile an application to become a DOJ fully accredited representative; (professional development)
• Practice ethical service and advocacy for a client.