Cecily Zamora
Immigration law is a rapidly growing and challenging area of law. Paralegals who plan to work in this field will need to be well-versed in immigration processes, from visa petitions to citizenship applications. There are several resources available, such as online courses, textbooks, and toolboxes, that provide comprehensive overviews of immigration law and the paralegal's role in it. These resources cover various topics, including visa applications, citizenship requirements, and the ethical duties and responsibilities of paralegals in immigration law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Books | Immigration Law for Paralegals by Gloria Roa Bodin and Maria Isabel Casablanca |
| AILA's Toolbox for Immigration Paralegals | |
| Online Courses | Immigration Law Certificate by CLS BARBRI |
| Organizations | AILA |
| Tools | PowerPoint slides |
| CD with forms |
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What You'll Learn
Paralegal training in immigration law
Paralegals can certainly work in immigration law, and there are several training options available for those who wish to do so.
Online Courses
There are several online courses available for aspiring immigration paralegals. The CLS by BARBRI Immigration Law Certificate course covers citizenship and the requirements for immigrants to become citizens. It also covers changes in immigration law since 9/11, the Homeland Security Bill of 2002, and the changes to student visas implemented in 2003. The course is equivalent to 45 hours of study and requires successful completion of all coursework and assignments. A similar course is offered by AILA, which provides over 20 hours of content for beginner-to-intermediate paralegals across 11 modules. The course combines a focus on immigration law with paralegal practice skills and covers humanitarian and asylum issues, family, business, adjustment of status, and naturalization and citizenship.
Textbooks
There are also textbooks available that cover immigration law for paralegals, such as "Immigration Law for Paralegals" by Maria Isabel Casablanca and Gloria Roa Bodin, which is now in its fifth edition. The textbook covers interviewing, gathering information, case management, and document preparation techniques. It also includes analysis of temporary and permanent employment visas, family-based petitions, political asylum, and naturalization, as well as samples of completed applications and a glossary of terms.
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Ethical guidelines for immigration paralegals
Immigration law is a complex and challenging area of law, and paralegals play a crucial role in assisting clients with the immigration process. However, it is essential that immigration paralegals adhere to ethical guidelines to maintain professionalism and protect the rights of their clients. Here are some key ethical guidelines for immigration paralegals:
Confidentiality
Maintaining client confidentiality is a top priority for immigration paralegals. Paralegals must ensure that client documents, discussions, and any other sensitive information are kept safe and secure from unauthorized disclosure. This is crucial for building trust with clients and their attorneys.
Conflict of Interest
Immigration paralegals should be vigilant in identifying and addressing potential conflicts of interest. This includes situations where the paralegal's personal relationships or other factors may cloud their objective judgment. If a conflict arises, the paralegal should disclose it to their supervising attorney to take appropriate action and manage the conflict effectively.
Professionalism
Maintaining professionalism is essential for immigration paralegals. This includes conducting themselves with integrity, honesty, and respect in all interactions with clients, colleagues, opposing parties, and court personnel. Immigration paralegals should also refrain from providing legal advice, as this is the domain of licensed attorneys.
Competence and Continuing Education
Immigration paralegals should strive to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in immigration law and regulations. This includes participating in continuing education programs and training to enhance their knowledge and skills. By doing so, they can better serve their clients and navigate the complex immigration landscape.
Adherence to Legal Processes
Immigration paralegals must follow the legal processes and procedures outlined by the relevant authorities. This includes properly preparing and submitting immigration forms, applications, and other documentation. Staying informed about any updates or changes in immigration laws and policies is crucial to ensure compliance.
Reporting Ethics Violations
Paralegals have a responsibility to report any ethics violations they encounter, whether they involve clients, colleagues, or attorneys. This demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the legal profession and helps uphold the fairness and impartiality of the justice system.
By adhering to these ethical guidelines, immigration paralegals can provide valuable assistance to immigrants while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
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Immigration law certificates
Paralegals can do immigration law, and there are several immigration law certificate programs that can help prepare aspiring paralegals for this field. These programs are designed to provide paralegals with the expertise needed to support attorneys in handling immigration cases efficiently. They are also ideal for law firms aiming to enhance their team's capabilities.
Several institutions offer immigration law certificate programs that can help individuals pursue a career as an immigration paralegal. Here are some details about a few of these programs:
Immigration Law Certificate by CLS by BARBRI
This online course provides a comprehensive overview of the immigration process, from visa petitions to naturalization as a US citizen. It covers various topics, including the changes in immigration law since 9/11/2001, the consequences of hiring illegal aliens, and student visa changes. The minimum passing score for this course is 70% on all tests and assignments, and students are expected to spend an average of 8 hours per week on coursework.
Immigration Law Specialist Certificate Program from WTI
The Washington Technical Institute offers an accredited online Immigration Law Specialist Certificate Program. This program provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the basic elements of immigration law, including immigration policies, visa categories, and the procedures for admission, green card status, and citizenship. It also covers law office management, including ethics, client relations, financial management, and record-keeping. The course is self-paced, allowing students to plan and adjust lessons according to their schedules.
Immigration Law for Paralegals
This book by Maria Isabel Casablanca and Gloria Roa Bodin, published by Carolina Academic Press, serves as a practical guide on US immigration, citizenship, and visa procedures for students or anyone interested in becoming an immigration paralegal. It covers interviewing, gathering information, case management, document preparation, and analysis of temporary and permanent employment visas. Each section contains a completed sample application, definitions of legal terms, and exercises modelled after tasks encountered by paralegals.
These immigration law certificate programs and resources can provide a strong foundation for individuals aspiring to become immigration paralegals or enhance their skills in this field. They offer a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the challenging and demanding area of immigration law.
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Immigration law resources
Immigration Law for Paralegals, authored by Maria Isabel Casablanca and Gloria Roa Bodin, is a comprehensive guide on U.S. immigration, citizenship, and visa procedures. The book serves as an excellent resource for students and aspiring immigration paralegals or legal assistants. The fourth and fifth editions of the book update and expand on previous versions, covering topics such as Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and more. Each section contains a completed sample application, definitions of legal terms, and exercises modelled after tasks encountered by paralegals, including the preparation of relative petitions and status package adjustments. The glossary and appendices offer valuable immigration law resources, including USCIS addresses, naturalization exam preparation, blank USCIS forms, and sample medical forms.
Another resource for aspiring immigration paralegals is the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), which offers an overview of basic concepts in immigration law and the government agencies involved. The ILRC's Immigration 101 for Paralegals and Accredited Representatives provides insights into family-based immigrant visa petitions, the Visa Bulletin, and common waivers of inadmissibility. The centre also developed a comprehensive manual on parole in immigration law, offering a one-stop guide to legal requirements.
In addition to these resources, online platforms like Amazon and CAP-Press provide access to a range of books and materials on immigration law for paralegals. These include guides, textbooks, and PowerPoint presentations tailored to paralegal training and education.
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Visa petitions
Immigration law is a complex and stimulating area of law, focusing on the reunification of families, the admission of valuable immigrants, and the promotion of diversity. Due to its complexity, paralegals in this field often pursue certificate programs in immigration law.
The "Immigration Law for Paralegals" by Gloria Roa Bodin and Maria Isabel Casablanca is a comprehensive guide for students and aspiring immigration paralegals. It covers various topics, including interviewing techniques, gathering information, and document preparation. The book also provides an analysis of different visa categories, such as temporary and permanent employment visas, and family-based petitions. Each chapter presents real-life and hypothetical scenarios, enabling readers to understand the challenges that may arise during the visa petition process.
Additionally, the book offers completed sample applications, definitions of legal terms, and practical exercises. These exercises mirror tasks commonly encountered by immigration paralegals, such as preparing relative petitions (Form I-130) and adjusting status packages (Forms I-485, I-130A, I-131, I-765, I-864A, and G-28). The glossary and appendices are also packed with valuable resources, including blank USCIS forms, sample medical forms, and immigration law references.
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Frequently asked questions
Paralegals in immigration law support licensed attorneys by performing tasks such as interviewing clients, gathering information, case management, and document preparation. They may also assist in preparing petitions and applications for visas, citizenship, and asylum.
While there are no specific qualifications mandated for paralegals, aspiring immigration paralegals can benefit from a paralegal certificate or a degree in a related field. Additionally, specialized training or certifications in immigration law, such as the Immigration Law Certificate offered by CLS by BARBRI, can enhance one's knowledge and skills in this area.
There are several resources available for immigration paralegals, including books like "Immigration Law for Paralegals" by Maria Isabel Casablanca and Gloria Roa Bodin, and "AILA's Toolbox for Immigration Paralegals." These resources provide practical guidance, forms, and an overview of relevant immigration law concepts and procedures.
No, immigration paralegals cannot provide legal advice or represent clients directly. Their role is to assist and support licensed attorneys in their practice. Paralegals must be mindful of ethical guidelines and not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
Immigration law is a rapidly growing and challenging specialty within the legal field. Immigration paralegals can find employment in law firms specializing in immigration, non-profit organizations, or government agencies that deal with immigration-related matters. With experience and further education, they may advance to positions with increased responsibilities or pursue other legal careers.
