Your Action During Pro Bono Week Can Change Children’s Lives Forever!

/ CILA, Pro Bono

According to information provided by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), an alarming 43% of unaccompanied children go to immigration court without legal representation. Many children have legal relief available that could offer them protection and more security in the United States. The only thing missing is knowledge and guidance to navigate the system. Until unaccompanied children have appointed attorneys representing them, there is a need for pro bono attorneys to fill the gap. The American Bar Association (ABA) is encouraging the legal community to commit to providing pro bono support to those in immigration proceedings in response to a recent call to action from the White House. Read about CILA’s impact on the world of children’s immigration law in our Annual Report. As the National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 20-26) approaches, let’s work together to increase representation for children in immigration proceedings and make justice a reality in our communities.

Here are some ways you can get involved:

  • Are you an attorney? Take a case to help a child in need of an attorney! Browse CILA’s platform Pro Bono Matters for Children Facing Deportation which features opportunities across the nation to help a child in need of pro bono representation. Not seeing an opportunity close to your area? Various organizations have remote opportunities. Type in #remote in the search bar and find the right opportunity for you! This is what it looks like on CILA’s platform to make that search:
  • Are you an inspiring advocate? Help CILA spread the word! Share the platform with your network. Learn more about the platform as explained by CILA Senior Staff Attorney Yasmin Yavar’s blog post CILA’s Pro Bono Matters for Children Facing Deportation—Take a Case, Make a Difference. Follow CILA on social media and boost our Pro Bono week posts during Pro Bono Week:
  • Are you already a pro bono champion, assisting unaccompanied youth? Then sign up for our quarterly Pro Bono Newsletter, Pro Bono Matters, to receive updates throughout the year about our latest resources, events, and important information to support you throughout your pro bono journey. Don’t forget to create a free CILA Account to access our resources.
  • Last but not least, consider donating to CILA during the ABA Giving Day 2024! CILA provides numerous free materials including recorded trainings and written resources to help support pro bono attorneys, including the CILA Pro Bono Guide. We believe in a world where every voice is heard, and justice prevails. Your on #ABAGivingDay brings us one step closer to that vision. Read more on CILA’s blog post on Giving Day.

Watch the video below to hear CILA Director, Dalia Castillo-Granados, share why this work is meaningful to her and why we need more law students, recent graduates, and seasoned attorneys to help represent children in their immigration proceedings.

Thank you for creating change in the lives of children and their families!