Trial/Removal Defense Unit
The Trial/Removal Defense Unit provides free and low-cost legal representation before the Executive Office of Immigration Review (Immigration Court) to individuals facing removal from the United States. Many of these individuals are long-time permanent residents who are potentially facing separation from their entire families should they be ordered removed. Additionally, many individuals are detained throughout the pendancy of their removal proceedings, and must remain incarcerated in a detention facility until a decision is made in their case. The Trial Unit consults with these individuals in order to determine if any relief from removal is available to them and whether or not they qualify for bond so as to be able to be released during the duration of their proceedings, and also provides Know-Your-Rights presentations to detained immigrants in collaboration with the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s Legal Orientation Program. The Trial Unit is also instrumental in identifying victims of crimes who may be eligible for benefits under the Violence Against Women Act or who may be eligible for T and U visas and refers those clients to the Crime Victims Unit for further assistance. Additionally, the Trial Unit regularly participates in liaison meetings with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in an effort to advocate for better treatment of detained immigrants and greater access to free legal services and legal representation.