Fordham Law


Immigrant Rights Clinic Honored by City Council

April 24, 2012

Fordham Law's Immigrant Rights and Access to Justice Clinic was honored by the
 
Fordham Law Dean Michael M. Martin and Clinical Associate Professor Gemma Solimene (far left) with Speaker Christine Quinn and Council Member Daniel Dromm (far right) and other immigrant rights advocates at City Hall. Photo by William Alatriste.
New York City Council on April 18. Council Member Daniel Dromm, Chair of the Committee on Immigration, and Speaker Christine Quinn presented the Clinic with a Proclamation for its outstanding service and contributions to New York City's immigrants.

"I am truly honored and grateful that our clinic was recognized for its work on behalf of immigrants and their families," said Gemma Solimene, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Immigrant Rights Clinic. "Our clinical students do tremendous work on behalf of one of New York City's most vulnerable populations, and their work is most deserving of this acknowledgement."

In the fall, the clinic helped secure victories for two separate clients in an asylum case and a deportation case.

Students in the clinic represent immigrants securing or maintaining lawful immigrant status in the United States, including asylum seekers, orphaned or abused children, and individuals with lengthy legal status facing deportation following a criminal conviction. Most cases are before the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s immigration agency, the U.S. Immigration Court, or federal court. Students conduct interviews, counsel clients, prepare evidence, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court hearings and agency interviews.

The Proclamation event coincided with Immigrant Heritage Week.