Volunteer Lawyers Help Immigrants Navigate Court System
A California program sends volunteer attorneys to immigration courts to help people who can't afford legal representation. The free assistance helps immigrants understand complex legal proceedings where having a lawyer can make the difference in their case outcomes.
Kamalpreet Chohan coordinates a program that's making a real difference for people navigating one of America's most complicated legal systems. She sends volunteer lawyers to immigration courts in California's capital to help those who can't afford representation.
The need is enormous. Of roughly 3.2 million pending deportation cases in US immigration courts, 52% of people don't have a lawyer, according to the Vera Institute of Justice.
Unlike criminal court, immigrants aren't guaranteed an attorney. Many can't afford the thousands of dollars private lawyers charge, and waitlists at nonprofits helping low-income immigrants stretch long.
The Ripple Effect
The volunteers are filling a critical gap. A 2024 Congressional Research Service study found that 47% of people with lawyers won their cases, compared to just 19% without representation.
Chohan frequently encounters people who've been scammed by fake lawyers. One man from Guatemala told her he spent $7,640 on someone who did nothing to help. She now gives people vetted lists of free attorneys.
"Folks go into immigration court not knowing what's happening. They come out not knowing what's happening," Chohan said. "And when there's an attorney present, it's just so helpful."
The program's volunteer attorneys provide crucial guidance, helping people understand their options and navigate proceedings that will shape their futures.
These volunteers are stepping up to ensure everyone gets a fair chance to understand the system.
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Based on reporting by Google: volunteers help
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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