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UPCOMING OR RECENT EVENTS
WEIGHING IN: NAVIGATING THE LEGAL PROFESSION AS AN IMMIGRANT WOMAN OF COLOR
Join Judge Hong, the Chief Counsel for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), for a presentation 'Weighing In: Navigating the Legal Profession as an Immigrant Woman of Color' happening November 7, 2022, at 3:15 p.m. via Zoom.
Judge Hong is the Chief Counsel for U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). Prior to joining Sen. Kaine’s office, Judge Hong erved as an Immigration Judge from April 2013 to November 2019 at Arlington and Los Angeles Immigration Courts. From February 2011 to April 2013, she was a Senior Policy Advisor for the Department of Homeland Security, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in Washington, D.C. From March 2007 to January 2011, Judge Hong served as Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. From June 2003 to March 2007, she worked for the Asian American Justice Center in Washington, D.C. as an Immigration Staff Attorney and the Immigration Program Director. From January 2000 to May 2003, Judge Hong was a Staff Attorney for the American Immigration Law Foundation (now American Immigration Council) in Washington, D.C. From August 1995 to December 1999, she practiced immigration law with the law firm of Tidwell Swaim & Associates, P.C., in Dallas. Judge Hong received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992 from The University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctorate in 1995 from The University of Texas School of Law. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas.
This event is co-sponsored by:
Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic
Minority Mentor Program
Asian Pacific America Law Students Association
Penn State Law in University Park will be set up at the Multicultural Unity Fair happening Septemeber 17.
Join this upcoming event 'Refugees are Welcome Here: A Community Conversation' happening September 13th at the State College High School. This event is co-sponsored by Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, the State College Area School District, and the State College Borough. Register for the event here.
More information on the event here.
An interdisciplinary symposium on the Ethics of Immigration Enforcement will take place March 17 and 18, 2022, both virtually and at the Greg Sutliff Auditorium in the Lewis Katz Building on the Penn State University Park campus. This event is open to the public and will feature researchers and practitioners doing work at the intersection of immigration and policing.
The event’s keynote speakers are Bridget Cambria, co-founder of Aldea—The People’s Justice Center and an immigration attorney, and José Jorge Mendoza, assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Washington. Sponsors for the event are the Rock Ethics Institute, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights, Latina/o Studies, Department of Philosophy, and Schreyer Honors College.
Members of Penn State and the public are all welcome to attend either in person or virtually.
For those attending in person who would like a complimentary lunch Friday, please register at the following link: https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aggRFg2mAZu2cMC.
Virtual attendees should register at the Zoom links below for all the sessions that they plan to attend.
Participants can earn up to 4 CLE Ethics Credits for attending.
Materials for Symposium Attendees
Inside Berks Family Detention: Observations by Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, March 2021
Biden Transition Team - Policy Recommendation on Family Detention, ALDEA, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, January 2021
Inside Family Detention: Stories from the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, Thursday, November 1 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Sutliff Auditorium, Lewis Katz Building. Attendees heard from law students and Professor Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia about their experiences with detained families in Berks County Residential Center. Event Video
Detained Immigrants and Access to Counsel in Pennsylvania, Detained Immigrants and Access to Counsel in Pennsylvania highlights the importance of providing counsel to improve immigrants’ due process rights. Under the supervision of Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, Samuel Weiss Faculty Scholar and founding director of the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, Penn State Law students, including Sara Firestone and Yousra Chatti worked on the report for more than a year, conducting research and drafting the report itself while working closely with the PAIFUP members. Press Release
Philadelphia Inquirer Coverage
Inside Family Detention: Notes on the Ground by Penn State Law Center for Immigrants Rights' Clinic
From September 30 through October 4, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic served as advocates for families who are about to undergo their credible or reasonable fear interviews. This publication is a journal of their experiences at Berks. Press Release
Recording from the Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic Workshop via Zoom, Presentation, Legal Orientation and Cultural Humility, March 2, 2022
STATE COLLEGE MUNICIPALITY
Collaboration with State College Police Department
In January and February 2022, clinic students Nicole Bennett (‘23) and Rim Dhaouadi (‘22) developed and presented a training for the State College Police Department on immigration. The training covered the anti-bias based policing policy adopted by the SCPD in 2017 as it relates to immigration and U and T visas.
- Anti-Bias Based Policing and Immigration
- The Revised Anti-Bias Based Policing & Immigration Policy of the SCPD
On October 16, 2017, the Borough of State College Manager Tom Fountaine and Police Chief John Gardner announced a revised policy on anti-bias-based policing and immigration. The policy encourages noncitizens to utilize police services. It sets a general practice of the State College Police Department (SCPD) to neither ask nor collect information pertaining to immigration status. The policy includes a protocol for SCPD officers to follow when working with noncitizen victims of crime or trafficking. The policy also outlines two immigration remedies available for victims of crime and trafficking, known as the U visa (victims of certain crimes) and the T visa (victims of trafficking).
The SCPD and CIRC worked together in April 2022 to develop an updated document to educate the community about the policy.
- SCPD Immigration Policy Highlights (English Version)
- Spanish Translation
- French Translation
- Arabic Translation
CLINIC ACCEPTS WELCOMING WEEK PROCLAMATION FROM MAYOR, HOSTS NATURALIZATION WORKSHOP
On September 13, 2021, the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic accepted the State College Borough's
Welcoming Week Proclamation, following a Naturalization Workshop co-hosted with the Borough in its downtown municipal building. Watch the full event here.
Community Resources for Serving Immigrant Residents
CLINIC ACCEPTS IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION FROM STATE COLLEGE MAYOR FILIPPELLI
On June 7, 2021, the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic accepted the State College Borough's Immigrant Heritage Month proclamation.
State College Extends Memorandum of Understanding Agreement with Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, Penn State Law, May 11, 2021.
In addition to the MOU extension, CIRC and the Borough have also launched a website with community resources for immigrant residents. This website will be housed on the Borough's website.
Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic extends memorandum of understanding, creates webpage with State College borough, Daily Collegian, May 11, 2021.
Recognition of Welcoming Week, Borough of State College, September 17, 2020.
Clinic and Latinx Law Student Association Accept Proclamations
On September 14, Penn State Law students Bianca Gutierrez and Alexis Castillo accept proclamations from State College Mayor Filippelli to mark Welcoming Week and Hispanic Heritage Month.
CLINIC ACCEPTS IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION FROM STATE COLLEGE MAYOR FILIPPELLI (via Zoom)
On May 18, 2020, Professor Wadhia accepted the State College Borough's Immigrant Heritage Month proclamation on behalf of the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic.
Message from the State College Borough:
A Message to Residents from the State College Borough - Spanish
A Message to Residents from the State College Borough - Chinese
A Message to Residents from the State College Borough - Hindi
A Message to Residents from the State College Borough - Farsi
A Message to Residents from the State College Borough - French
Resolution 1230: Immigrant Children and Family Separation
This document on the resolution went before the Borough on Monday, July 1st, 2019 and was passed unanimously.
See the video here.
CLINIC ACCEPTS IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION FROM STATE COLLEGE MAYOR DONALD HAHN
On June 3, 2019, Professor Wadhia accepted the State College Borough's Immigrant Heritage Month proclamation on behalf of the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic.
Advising Non-Citizen Clients About Their Right to Protest, National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, June 7, 2020.
Constitution Day 2018
Sunday, September 16, 2018 | Grange Park, Centre Hall
For the second straight year, the Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic was proud to set up a tent at the 2018 Constitution Day celebration, which took place on September 16, 2018, at Grange Park in Centre Hall. Clinic members provided information about the work of the clinic and emerging immigration issues in the Trump administration, and presented a poster about immigration and the Constitution that included topics like the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment and the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
CLINIC ACCEPTS IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION FROM STATE COLLEGE MAYOR DONALD HAHN
On June 4, 2018, Professor Wadhia accepted the State College Borough's Immigrant Heritage Month proclamation on behalf of the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic.
Video of the ceremony is available online (on the right side of the screen, select the fourth chapter to skip to the proclamation).
Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic and the Municipality of State College Present: Immigration and Equity Summit
September 17, 2018 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 2nd Floor Municipal Building | 243 S. Allen Street | State College, PA
To mark Welcoming Week, community leaders shared their views on current immigration policies and the benefits of welcoming everyone into our community. Speakers included Clinic representatives, the Chief of Police, Borough Manager, and an individual impacted by changing immigration policy (see first video below). Immediately following the event, the State College Borough issued two proclamations: one declaring September 16-22, 2018, as Welcoming Week; and the second declaring September 2018 as Hispanic Heritage Month (see second video below). For more information, see the Immigration Summit Fact Sheet and local (WTAJ) news coverage of the event.
Welcoming Week Proclamation - Full Text
Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation - Full Text
Collaboration with State College Police Department
In January and February 2018, clinic students Mark Diaz (’19) and Deokhee Ryu (’18) developed and presented a training for police on immigration. The training covered immigration 101 and information about the U and T visa.
On October 16, 2017, the Borough of State College Manager Tom Fountaine and Police Chief John Gardner announced a revised policy on anti-bias-based policing and immigration. The Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic worked closely with the State College Police Department and Borough of State College to craft a policy that among other things, encourages noncitizens to utilize police services and states that as a general practice, the State College Police do not ask or collect information about immigration status. The policy also outlines two types of immigration remedies available to victims and the specific role of law enforcement.
To learn more about this policy, please see:
- CNET Coverage of the Announcement (begins at the 88:52 mark)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Highlights of the Anti-Bias Based Policing and Immigration Policy
- Immigration Resources
Constitution 230 Celebration
September 17, 2017 | Grange Park, Centre Hall | 1:00-6:00 p.m.
In 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the most influential document in American history: the United States Constitution. For 230 years, we the people have enjoyed and debated the freedoms, responsibilities and rights outlined in Constitutional articles and amendments.
Celebrations included exhibits, musical performances, speakers, and free pocket constitutions. Professor Wadhia spoke, and the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic hosted a table exhibit.
Clinic Accepts Immigrant Heritage Month Proclamation from State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham
On June 5, 2017, Professor Wadhia accepted the State College Borough's Immigrant Heritage Month proclamation on behalf of the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic.
Clinic Hosts Information Session on Immigration Executive Orders
On February 3, the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic and the Borough of State College presented a community information session covering the president's executive orders relating to immigration enforcement, refugees, and Muslim immigration. Click the image on the left to view video of the event.
Work on Behalf of the State College Borough and Mayor Elizabeth Goreham
Borough Resolution to Welcome and Protect Immigrants
The Borough of State College is officially an inclusive and welcoming place for immigrants and local residents regardless of their immigration status, thanks to a formal resolution that came out of a partnership with the Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic. The resolution—which was unanimously passed by the State College Borough Council on Jan. 9—was written in collaboration with Penn State Law professor and Immigrants’ Rights Clinic director Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia.
Click the image above to view video of the Borough Council passing the resolution (skip to 20:33/Chapter 4).
News Coverage of Resolution
- Philly.com: State College passes sanctuary city resolution
- PhillyMag.com: State College Borough Passes Resolution Vowing to Protect Immigrants
- WTAJ-TV, Resolution approved to help immigrants
- Centre Daily Times: Borough Council expresses support for immigrant community
- StateCollege.com: Borough Council Passes Immigration Enforcement Resolution
- The Daily Collegian: State College Borough Council passes resolution, makes 'commitment to serving all people'
- Underground.co: State College Borough to Consider Immigration Enforcement Resolution Monday (preview)
- Underground.co: State College Borough Passes Resolution Affirming Support for Local Immigrant and Muslim Community
Immigration Issues After U.S. v. Texas: A Community Dialogue
The center held a community forum on August 31, 2016, in the State College Municipal Building to help answer the local community's questions in the wake of the non-decision in U.S. v. Texas. The event was co-sponsored with the Penn State School of Labor and Employment Relations, the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, State College Borough, and the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition. More on the event is available on the center's website.
Click the image to the left to view a video of the event.
State College Borough Presentation on U.S. v. Texas
Understanding United States v. Texas
As part of the the center's continuing work with State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham, clinic students David Harrington and Faith Van Horn spoke at the State College Borough Council meeting on April 18, 2016, the same day as oral arguments in U.S. v. Texas. They provided an overview of current immigration law and policy and outlined the issues at stake in the case. They explained how U.S. v. Texas could affect local communities and families and discussed actions that communities and local governments can take in the current legal climate. April 18, 2016.
United States v. Texas
As part of the the center's continuing work with State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham, clinic students David Harrington and Faith Van Horn spoke at the State College Borough Council meeting on April 18, 2016. They provided an overview of current immigration law and policy and outlined the issues at stake in United States v. Texas. They explained how the case could affect local communities and families and discussed actions that communities and local governments can take in the current legal climate.
Click the image to the left to to see a recording of the students' Borough Council presentation, which begins at the 00:9:52 mark.
Mayoral Response to Injunction Against DAPA and Expanded DACA
The center provided legal analysis and support to Mayor Elizabeth Goreham on the issues surrounding the injunction by Texas District Judge Andrew Hanen against the implementation of the DAPA and expanded DACA programs. This collaboration laid the groundwork for the mayor’s endorsement of an amicus brief signed by 73 mayors, cities, county executives, and counties from across the country in support of the president’s executive actions on immigration.
Media coverage of the mayor's amicus brief endorsement:
- The Daily Collegian: State College borough joins 70 other municipalities on Obama's immigration stance
- Centre Daily Times: State College Mayor Elizabeth Goreham files brief supporting Obama on immigration
- Penn State Law news release: Clinic collaborates with State College Mayor on immigrant deportation deferral programs
The center also created a flyer discussing updates on the litigation, including national responses to the injunction.
Local Government, Local Police and Immigration Enforcement
In fall 2015, the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic collaborated with the office of the Borough of State College mayor, council, and Police Chief Thomas King to deliver a presentation on local police and immigration enforcement. During this event, Police Chief King indicated his support for a written policy on this topic to include, among other things, restrictions on asking about immigration status when victims and witnesses report crimes. During the spring semester, the center will work with both the mayor and Chief King to develop and build support for this policy.
Local Police and Immigration Enforcement slides
President's Immigration Executive Actions
The Center for Immigrants' Rights has also collaborated with the Office of the Mayor of State College to educate the community on President Barack Obama's executive action programs. In this capacity, students at the center presented on select programs (DAPA and DACA) to the community at a Borough Council meeting and facilitated legal analysis or advocacy in connection with litigation to support these programs.
Click the image on the left to see a recording of the students' Borough Council presentation, which begins at the 00:01:45 mark.
Legal Education and Case Support
Immigration Issues After U.S. v. Texas
On August 31, the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic will co-sponsor a community event addressing “Immigration Issues After U.S. v. Texas.” The forum, featuring perspectives from legal experts, local government, and faith-based groups, is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in room 201 of the State College Municipal Building. This free event is open to the public. To register, email centerforimmigrantsr@pennstatelaw.psu.edu.
In addition to the center, the event is co-sponsored by the Borough of State College, the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, the School of Labor & Employee Relations within the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, and the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition.
Rights and Remedies After U.S. v. Texas
The Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic is hosting an “Information Session for the Immigration Community on Rights and Remedies After U.S. v. Texas” from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, in Suite 118 of the 329 Building at Innovation Park on Penn State’s University Park Campus. The event is co-sponsored by the Borough of State College, the Centre County Women’s Resource Center, the School of Labor & Employee Relations within the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, the Movement of Immigrant Leaders in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition, and Schneck & Harley Immigration Law Group, LLP.
Community Forum on Immigration Raid in State College
On June 12, 2014, agents from Homeland Security Investigation (HSI*) and other law enforcement agencies conducted an immigration raid of several Asian restaurants in State College. Subsequently, more than a dozen people were apprehended and detained. During the 2014-15 academic year, the center was involved in responding to the aftermath of the raid through community outreach and education and individual representation.
The Center of Immigrants' Rights, on behalf of the Interdisciplinary Roundtable on Immigration, held a panel discussion on the raid on Nov. 18 in the State College Municipal Building: "Why State College?" A Panel Discussion on the Immigration Raid in Our Community.
Takeaway Materials from the Panel Discussion about the Immigration Raid in State College
Media coverage of the event:
- WPSU-FM: Community Event Discusses Immigration in Response to Enforcement Raids in State College
- WTAJ-TV: Why Raid State College?
For more information on the raid:
- "Three Remain in Federal Custody Months After Restaurant Raids," Centre Daily Times, Sept. 16, 2014
- "Feds Continue Investigation Related to Restaurant Raids in State College," StateCollege.com, Sept. 16, 2014
- "Raids, rights and the rule of law," by Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, Centre Daily Times, June 24, 2014
STATE COLLEGE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Immigration Training for the State College Area School District
In 2020, CIRC students developed a video training and materials for the State College Area School District. These materials are current through December 2020.
Immigrants’ Rights Clinic Hosts Statewide Teach-In
The recent presidential campaign and post-election rhetoric put a spotlight on immigrants and their rights in the United States. The Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic has been working hard to offer the immigrant community resources and guidance in the recent weeks, and on Jan. 12, those efforts culminated in a Statewide Teach-In on Immigrants’ Rights in the Lewis Katz Building in University Park.
Video of the Statewide Teach-In on Immigrants' Rights
News Coverage of Teach-In:
- WTAJ-TV: Statewide 'teach-in' held on immigrants' rights
- WJAC-TV: Penn State Law hosts 'Teach-In' on immigrants' rights
- WATM-TV: Immigrant Concerns
- Centre Daily Times: ‘Teach-in’ offers overview of immigrants’ rights
- StateCollege.com: Penn State Law Hosting ‘Teach-In’ on Immigrants’ Rights (preview)
- ImmigrationProf Blog: Statewide Teach-In: Immigrants' Rights (preview)
Educating and Supporting Children from Immigrant Families: What Educators Need to Know
Announcement for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: What We Know, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, September 2017.
School District Enrollment Notice Language, Intercultural Development Research Association, August 2017.
IMMIGRATION DETENTION IN PA
Inside Berks Family Detention: Observations by Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic
March 2021
Biden Transition Team - Policy Recommendation on Family Detention, ALDEA, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, January 2021.
Inside Family Detention: Stories from the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic
Thursday, November 1 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Sutliff Auditorium, Lewis Katz Building
Attendees heard from law students and Professor Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia about their experiences with detained families in Berks County Residential Center. Event Video
Detained Immigrants and Access to Counsel in Pennsylvania
Detained Immigrants and Access to Counsel in Pennsylvania highlights the importance of providing counsel to improve immigrants’ due process rights. Under the supervision of Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, Samuel Weiss Faculty Scholar and founding director of the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, Penn State Law students, including Sara Firestone and Yousra Chatti worked on the report for more than a year, conducting research and drafting the report itself while working closely with the PAIFUP members.
Press Release
Philadelphia Inquirer Coverage
Inside Family Detention: Notes on the Ground by Penn State Law Center for Immigrants Rights' Clinic
From September 30 through October 4, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic served as advocates for families who are about to undergo their credible or reasonable fear interviews. This publication is a journal of their experiences at Berks.
DACA
Penn State continues to support DACA status despite recent ruling, October 13, 2022
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Project Libertad Immigrant Rights Action/Grupo de Acción, January 12, 2021.
To see more event information, visit the Archived Event section of our Immigration After the Election page.
DACA at the Supreme Court: What We Know
On Wednesday, April 29, 2020, the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic hosted an online discussion on DACA at the Supreme Court. DACA policy has allowed over 800,000 childhood arrivals to live in the U.S. with deferred action, a form of prosecutorial discretion. Nearly 30,000 DACA recipients are healthcare workers and nearly 15,000 are teachers. Discussing the landscape of DACA was Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, director of the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic. Discussing the community impact for Latina/o communities was A.K. Sandoval-Strausz, of the Penn State Latina/o Studies Program.
DACA Workshop
January 28, 2018 | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Penn State Law Clinics, 329 Innovation Park, Suite 118
DACA Workshop Presentation, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, January 28, 2018.
For the Community: Learn and Know Your Rights, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, April 4, 2018.
For the Community: Learn and Know Your Rights (Korean version)
For the Community: Learn and Know Your Rights (Spanish version)
Sources for DACA Renewal Workshop, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, January 28, 2018.
The Future of DACA: What Lies Ahead
Take-Away Materials from CLE: "DACA & DAPA: What You Need to Know"
This is a compilation of the materials provided to those who attended the CLE at Centre County Bar Association, titled: "DACA and DAPA: What You Need to Know." It includes the event PowerPoint presentation, as well as the various included handouts. April 13, 2015.
DACA Community Workshop for Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center
In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC), the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic hosted a community workshop to educate the Penn State and State College communities about DACA. The discussion focused on eligibility requirements, the application process, and the potential risks associated with DACA.
DACA Presentation for Good Shepherd Catholic Church’s Just Faith Group
In collaboration with Good Shepherd Catholic Church’s Just Faith Group, a center student-led a presentation and discussion on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the program that provides a discretionary grant of relief to certain undocumented young people who came to the U.S. as children and have pursued education or military service. While deferred action does not lead to lawful permanent residence or citizenship, individuals granted DACA receive a temporary suspension from deportation and the authorization to work in the U.S.
Best Practices for Conducting Community Workshops on DACA
This best practices guide provides an overview of our experiences in planning and conducting a community legal education workshop around DACA. While our experience hails from organizing a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) workshop, the best practices we have discerned from our experiences translate to community education workshops generally. This guide contains feedback from immigration clinics and advocates from around the country and includes our own reflections on planning and conducting community education workshops. This guide is limited to community education workshops and does not purport to offer guidance on conducting pro se legal clinics. April 2013.
Flyer, Powerpoint and Handout for March 21 PIRC-Penn State Law DACA Community Workshop
UNIVERSITY POLICE
Collaboration with the University Police
FAQ for Law Enforcement - Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, May 15, 2020.
FAQ for Law Enforcement - Human Trafficking and Immigrant Victims, May 14, 2020.
University Police Spring 2020 Training, May 2020.
Collaboration with University Police, University Park, PA
In spring 2019, clinic students William Hobson and Berenice Beltrán-Maldonado developed and presented immigration training to the police force in University Park over several sessions. The training covered a variety of topics, including available immigration resources, basic terminology, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), U and T Visas, working with vulnerable populations, and more.
Training Powerpoint, Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, 2019.
OTHER COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS, EVENTS, AND RESOURCES
Immigration Under a New Administration: Town Hall
Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic and SBA Law and Equity Committee, Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
Speakers:
Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, Professor & Director of the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic
Fall 2020 Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic Students
International Students and Remote Learning in Fall 2020: What You Need To Know, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, updated August 11, 2020.
International Students Seeking Entry to the United States, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, July 31, 2020.
COVID -19 FAQ for Immigrants in Pennsylvania - Long Version
Long-version, last updated Friday, May 22, 2020
In partnership with the Penn State Center Philadelphia and faculty in the Penn State Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology and Education
COVID-19 FAQ for Immigrants in Pennsylvania - One Pager
One-pager, last updated Friday, May 22, 2020
In partnership with the Penn State Center Philadelphia and faculty in the Penn State Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology and Education
Immigration, COVID-19, & Our Community: A Town Hall
Thursday, April 16, 2020 – 6:00p.m. to 7:00p.m.
On April 16, 2020, the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic hosted an online town hall to provide key updates on immigration, COVID-19, and the community. The clinic presented on several topics: Immigration Services, Immigration enforcement and detention, Immigration courts, borders, U.S. Consulates and Embassies, Public benefits and food security, and the CARES Act. Director Massume Assaf shared updates on behalf of the Directorate of International Student & Scholar Advising (DISSA).
Video of event
Powerpoint Slides
Bibliography of Sources
Speakers:
Massume Assaf, Director of International Student & Scholar Advising (DISSA)
Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, Professor & Director of the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic
Spring 2020 Penn State Law Clinical Students
Travel Ban Forum with Artists and Immigration Experts
Monday, Feb. 17, 2020
5:45-7:00 p.m.
Sutliff Auditorium, Katz Building
Children at the Border: What You Need to Know & What You Can Do
Friday, June 28, 2019 | 3:00 p.m. | Webster's Bookstore & Cafe | State College, Pa
Video of the event can be found here (Facebook video).
Welcoming the Other
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 | 7:00 p.m. | Sutliff Auditorium, Lewis Katz Building
Welcoming the Other was a community event facilitated by State College-area leaders. We seek to build bridges among the many parts of our community by inquiring into the meaning of the national motto E pluribus unum—From many, one.
Welcoming the Other event video
Penn State Leaders Welcome 'the Other' in Panel Discussion About Immigrant, Minority Rhetoric, The Daily Collegian, March 28, 2019.
Welcoming the Other: Photos, The Daily Collegian, March 27, 2019.
Mokita Dialogues
Thursday, January 24 | Noon-1:00 p.m. | New Leaf Initiative, State College Municipal Building
243 S Allen St., Suite 337, State College
Professor Wadhia and students from the Clinic participated in a conversation that covered a range of recent immigration policy changes, including restrictions on asylum, separation of families, and the termination of those with a legal or recognized status in the U.S. For more information, visit www.janamariefoundation.org.
CLINIC WINS LIGHT OF LIBERTY AWARD
On June 12, 2019, the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic received a Light of 
Liberty Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service from the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center. Professor Wadhia and 2019 alumnas Meredith Bestland and Sara Firestone accepted the award on the clinic's behalf.
The Travel Ban Decision and Family Separation: What You Need to Know
Thursday, July 5, 2018 | 12:00 p.m. | Penn State Law Clinics, 329 Innovation Boulevard, Suite 118
Event audio (courtesy of WPSU)
The Future of Immigration Policies Under the Trump Administration: An Information Session
Tuesday, March 27 | 6:00-7:30 p.m. | 112 Katz
Event Video
Presentation (PDF)
Handouts From Event:
Deferred Enforcement Departure for Liberians: What We Know
Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2018
National TPS Alliance Fact Sheet
TPS Legislative Comparison Chart
The Future of Immigration Policies Under the Trump Administration Presentation (PDF)
March 27, 2018 | 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. | 112 Lewis Katz Building
State College, PA
Town Hall on the New Travel BanFriday, September 29, 2017 | 3:30 p.m. | 112 Katz
Powerpoint Presentation
Facebook Live Video
Frequently Asked Questions on Administrative Processing
Administrative processing, also known as Security Advisory Opinion (SAO), is the time period during which visa applications undergo additional review outside of the “normal” visa processing times. Administrative processing takes place after the visa interview. When an individual case has been tagged in a database, the Department of State, at the request of the consular post, may initiate administrative processing. April 10, 2017.
Freedom of Information Act response from the U.S. Department of State
July 6, 2017
Immigration After the Election
Please visit our Immigration After the Election page for resources available regarding the impact of the presidential election on immigration.
Clinic Collaborates with Bibles, Badges and Business
In collaboration with Bibles, Badges and Business, the Center for Immigrants Rights Clinic hosted a State College, PA Forum in the Lewis Katz Building on November 1, 2016, at which leaders from the business, labor, faith, and legal perspectives offered their points-of-view regarding immigration reform. Ms. Liz Dong, BBB’s Midwest Mobilizer, served as the moderator for the event.
Click the image to view the recording of the event.
Clinic Hosts Welcoming Week Event
In celebration of Welcoming America's Welcoming Week, held Sept. 16-25, the Clinic hosted "Asylum 101" in the Apfelbaum Courtroom in the Lewis Katz Building on Thursday, September 22. More details on the event can be found here, and the full video of the event can be viewed here.
Welcoming Refugees
On April 22, 2016, Penn State Law hosted a panel discussion on the world refugee crisis, exploring both the public policy implications and the frontlines of refugee resettlement in the United States. The event was entitled Welcoming Refugees: Policy and Personal Perspectives.
Guest Speakers:
Jaya Ramji-Nogales, Herman Stern Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Institute for International Law and Public Policy, Temple University
Madap Sharma, Refugee Site Director, Lutheran Children and Family Service
Bilal Al Tememi, Senior Resettlement Case Worker, Lutheran Children and Family Service
Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, Director, Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic (moderator)
The event was sponsored by the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic, the International Law Society, the Interdisciplinary Roundtable on Immigration, and the Muslim Legal Society.
A video recording of the event is available online.
Presentation Slides
Entry and Reentry Screening Instrument
The Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic led a discussion on illegal entry and reentry prosecutions under 8 U.S.C. §§ 1325-1326. The panel discussion featured Peter J. Smith, U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Heidi Freese, assistant federal public defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Grace Meng, senior researcher for the U.S. Program of Human Rights Watch; and Lori Ulrich, assistant federal public defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. April 21, 2016.
Press Release and Additional Materials
Reethinking Reentry: Prosecution, Defense, and Human Rights Perspectives
Rethin
king Reentry: Prosecution, Defense, and Human Rights Perspectives” was a panel discussion hosted by the center on April 21, featuring Peter J. Smith, U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Heidi Freese, assistant federal public defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; Grace Meng, senior researcher for t
he U.S. Program of Human Rights Watch; and Lori Ulrich, assistant federal public defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.The panelists discussed the federal interests in prosecuting noncitizens for illegal entry and reentry under 8 U.S.C. §§ 1325-1326, whether such federal interests are served when considering the significant humanitarian costs of the prosecutions, and the role of prosecutorial discretion.
Penn State College Democrats Presentation
Clinic students David Harrington and Faith Van Horn also spoke to the Penn State College Democrats student organization leading up to oral arguments in U.S. v. Texas. Like their April 18 presentation before the State College Borough Council, they provided an overview of current immigration law and policy and outlined the issues at stake in the case.
April 11, 2016
Penn State Undergraduate Admissions Office Partnership on Resources for Immigrants
The Penn State Undergraduate Admissions Office and Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic (CIRC) at Penn State Law in University Park have partnered to ensure that immigrants, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and undocumented students, feel welcomed and are informed about the resources at Penn State. As part of the collaboration, the two units researched immigration law and policies at peer institutions and reviewed the policy, applications, and websites of the admissions office. This new website is one of the results of the partnership. Read more.
Immigration Enforcement and the Impact on Communities and Families
This is a compilation of the materials used for a presentation at the University Mennonite Church Titled "Immigration Enforcement & the Impact on Communities and Families". April 2015.
Memo and Template for Engaging the U.S. Attorney and Public Defender about Criminal Bars to DAPA
This is a sample letter intended for those who seek to contact their U.S. District Attorney’s and/or Federal Public Defender’s Offices to discuss policy options for exercising prosecutorial discretion in illegal reentry cases. It is a tool for those seeking to initiate a conversation with said actors for possible changes in the offices’ policies. March 23, 2015.
Toolkit for Withholding-Only Proceedings
Practice guide from Penn State Law's Center for Immigrants' Rights and the Pennsylvania Immigrant Resource Center (PIRC) for attorneys representing noncitizens in withholding-only proceedings. August 1, 2014.
Notices to Appear: Legal Challenges and Strategies
Practice advisory for attorneys representing non-citizens 1) who are likely to be issued NTAs, 2) who have been issued NTAs that have not been filed with the immigration court, or 3) who have been issued NTAs that have been filed. Read the joint statement from American Immigration Council, ABA Commission on Immigration and Penn State Law’s Center for Immigrants’ Rights on the practice advisory, Notices to Appear: Legal Challenges and Strategies.
June 30, 2014
A law blog on select not precedential and precedential Third Circuit immigration decisions for immigration practitioners and advocates.
April 8, 2014
Group Rights Presentations at Clinton County Correctional Facility
Many detained non-citizens are deported without access to a lawyer or basic information about the requirements for applying for relief from removal or seeking release from detention. Without court-appointed counsel or sufficient resources to provide education, immigration detainees are often forced to navigate their cases alone. Under the detention standards put forth by ICE, immigration detainees have a right to group legal presentations on U.S. immigration law and procedure. Penn State Law’s Center for Immigrants’ Rights has been approved by ICE to conduct these presentations at Clinton County Correctional Facility (“CCJ”). CCJ, a county jail located approximately 45 minutes away in McElhattan, PA, is used as a holding facility by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO). Under the supervision of Professor Wadhia, students at the Center conducted group legal presentations to immigration detainees held at CCJ to inform them about the deportation process and possible immigration remedies.
Presentation on Immigration to the University Mennonite Church
The Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic collaborated with the University Mennonite Church to educate the community on how immigration enforcement impacts communities and families. In this capacity, students at the center presented on the recent developments affecting immigration enforcement, the State College immigration raid and how immigration laws and policies impact our community. The University Mennonite Church is a local congregation, with a commitment to community education and a concern for social justice.
Centre County Bar Association Collaboration
The Centre County Bar Association has approximately 180 members, and includes trial attorneys, judges, government attorneys, corporate attorneys and general practitioners in the Centre region. The Bar Association's purpose is to foster and protect excellence in legal services to the public in general and to promote respect, civility, collegiality and professionalism within the legal community. The Bar Association serves low-income residents through a referral service and also works with MidPenn Legal Services, a non-profit that provides high quality civil legal services to low-income residents and survivors of domestic violence in 18 counties in Central Pennsylvania.
On behalf of the Centre County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee, the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic plays a supporting role in immigration cases within the Centre County region and surrounding area. Working under the supervision of Professor Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia, students meet with low-income individuals seeking immigration help, assist with matching such individuals with an immigration attorney and prepare research memos and supporting documents for individuals who are represented by a pro bono or public service attorney. As practicable, students present Continuing Legal Education Programs for the bar on immigration topics.
Centre County Women's Resource Center
The Centre County Women’s Resource Center (CCWRC), a nonprofit organization located in State College, Pa., provides a range of services to victims including a 24-hour crisis hotline, crisis counseling, emergency shelter, transitional housing, advocacy, support groups, family law legal services, and referrals to other appropriate community programs. CCWRC is a leading voice for victims of domestic and sexual abuse in the Central Pennsylvania region and provides advocacy and education on topics related to domestic and sexual abuse in the community.
Toolkit on Immigration Relief for Victims of Abuse and Domestic Violence
On behalf of CCWRC's Civil Legal Representation Project, the center created a toolkit, "Immigration Relief for Victims of Abuse and Domestic Violence," to help practitioners in representing immigrant victims of domestic abuse. The toolkit includes information about the following remedies: the U visa, the T visa, VAWA self-petition, VAWA cancellation of removal, and prosecutorial discretion. Specifically, it contains an analysis of the substantive materials on these subjects, including relevant statutes, regulations, agency memoranda, and secondary sources.
Community Presentation on Remedies Available to Immigrant Victims
On behalf of CCWRC, the Center for Immigrants' Rights developed a community education plan to inform community members about legal remedies and services available to immigrant victims of domestic violence and other crimes who reside in Centre County and surrounding counties in Central Pennsylvania. To reach this end, the Center reviewed and researched related legal standards, treatises, and related materials and created fact sheets and accessible materials on the U visa, the T visa, VAWA self-petitions, and prosecutorial discretion for victims. Students hosted community events to educate area residents about immigration remedies for victims of domestic violence and abuse and the services provided by the CCWRC’s Civil Legal Representation Project to immigrant victims of domestic violence.
Coverage of Previous Symposia & Colloquia Hosted by the Clinic
Immigration Adjudications: Court Reform & Beyond (2010)
30th Anniversary of the Refugee Act (2010)
10th Anniversary of 9/11 (2011)
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