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Immigration Initiative

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“See in the migrants of our time, as in those of every age, a living image of God’s people on their way to the eternal homeland.”

the late Pope Francis, 2024 Message for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

As a Jesuit institution committed to social justice and public service, Santa Clara Law’s community and graduates are well-positioned to respond to Pope Francis' call. They do so at a time when the demand for immigration law experts is at an all-time high. The current national climate, with numerous changes in immigration policy, the likelihood of legislative shifts, and recent Supreme Court decisions, requires thoughtful responses and resources for training new lawyers. Furthermore, the global nature of business drives individuals to migrate to fulfill lifelong dreams and meet business needs both here and abroad.

The  Immigration Initiative is a resource for the law school and the community.  The Initiative draws upon our Jesuit teachings, the expertise of Santa Clara Law faculty and staff who teach, research, practice, and advocate in the area of immigration, the work of our dedicated inspiring students, and our extensive alumni network of outstanding immigration practitioners. Our work is informed by the many lessons learned from the thoughtful, resilient clients served by our clinical programs and community partners who tirelessly advocate on behalf of migrants. 

VISION/MISSION:

  • To build upon the Law School’s commitment to immigration law as evidenced by our rigorous academic programs, hands-on clinical training  
  • To serve as a resource to law students and graduates interested in the immigration law field
  • To serve as a resource and active thought partner and leader on immigration law and policy for the University and broader community

Core Offerings

🌎 Annual Immigration Service Project (Spring Break) 🌎

Offered by the Center for Social Justice and Public Service.

For questions, contact: Professor Abriel and Professor Parker

The Annual Immigration Service Project is a fully grant-funded opportunity for Santa Clara Law students to engage directly with immigration law and advocacy in a real-world setting. As a key program of the Immigration Initiative, this immersive experience offers students the chance to deepen their understanding of cross-border legal issues without the cost or commitment of a traditional course.

Because the trip is funded by external grants, there is no associated class enrollment, and flights and lodging costs are covered. Participation is selective and based on an application process. Priority is given to students with a demonstrated interest in immigration law and public service.

2026 Spring Break:
  • March 7 – 14, 2026
    Universidad Iberoamericana, Faculty of Law, Clinica Alaide Foppa, Mexico City, Mexico
  • Support Clinica Alaida Foppa and IBERO students and faculty with providing Know Your Rights presentations and other legal services to migrants in shelters in the Mexico City area.
  • Application Process:
  • Preference will be given to third year SCU law students, to students who speak, read, and write Spanish fluently, and to students who have immigration law experience (course work, clinic, and/or law office experience).
In prior years we have visited to the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project in Tucson, Arizona. At the Florence Project, students worked on assignments including creation of country conditions packets to support asylum applications and translations of documentary evidence. They also observed know your rights presentations and removal hearings in the detention centers and spent a day at the Kino Border Initiative, a refugee shelter in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. 
  • Business Immigration Law
  • Immigration Appellate Practice Clinic
  • Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center:
    • Immigration Litigation Skills 
    • Immigration Interviewing and Advising Clinic  
  • Immigration Law and Crimes
  • Forced Migration Law (Refugee Law)
  • Immigration Law Survey
  • Sydney Summer Abroad
Affiliated Faculty & Staff

Clinical Professor of Law; Director, Center for Social Justice and Public Service

Evangeline Abriel

Director of International Programs

Sarah Brockmeyer

Senior Supervising Clinical Attorney, Community Law Center (KGACLC), Law School - Community Law Center (KGACLC)

Gamaliel Galindo, Esq.

Executive Director, Katharine & George Alexander Community Law Center

Deborah Moss-West

Associate Clinical Professor, Katharine and George Alexander Community Law Center

Lynette M. Parker