ABA Immigration Justice Project (IJP)

The Immigration Justice Project (IJP) of San Diego seeks to promote due process and access to justice for indigent immigrants and asylum-seekers through the provision of high-quality pro bono legal services for individuals appearing before the San Diego immigration court and in subsequent appeals as needed. Immigrants and people seeking asylum in the United States have a right to counsel “at no expense to the government.” The government does not provide representation for immigrants, including those facing deportation or imprisoned in immigration detention centers. 86% of detained non-citizens facing removal proceedings are unrepresented. 63% of non-detained non-citizens facing removal proceedings are unrepresented. We match pro bono attorneys across the United States to compelling opportunities that help defend the San Diego region’s immigrant community from deportation.

Attorneys can take on full representation on individual removal defense cases, enter limited scope representation on collateral matters, support our casework by completing short-term research and writing assignments, and more. We work closely with the American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration and the Immigration Justice Campaign to help recruit, train, and mentor pro bono attorneys.

Litigate. When you agree to represent an IJP client in immigration bond or removal proceedings, you will have the opportunity to prepare for, attend, and conduct hearings.
Investigate. IJP welcomes assistance with factual and legal research to help support our clients’ defenses to removal and applications for relief, applications for immigration benefits or protections, and briefs before both the immigration and federal courts.

Advocate. Your service can focus on advocacy with Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to release our client from their custody without the need for an in-court hearing.