The Road to a Pro Bono Asylum Win: Q&A with Fiona Tang
You represented a family from El Salvador seeking asylum before the Immigration Court - please describe the process.
The process of preparing our family with their asylum merits hearing was incredibly unique because all of our prep work was done against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most rewarding part is seeing the relief on our clients’ faces when the immigration judge recited his decision to grant asylum from the bench. They’d been living in such fear and uncertainty, and the asylum grant meant that they could live safe and happy lives without having to constantly look over their shoulders.
Did you find CLSEPA’s mentorship and technical assistance helpful?
Yes! CLSEPA was incredibly helpful. Immigration law is not my wheelhouse, and our mentors —Mariam Kelly and Cristina Dos Santos—were incredibly patient and thorough in addressing any and all questions we had about the process.
What is your advice for pro bono attorneys considering taking on an asylum matter?
Do it! I think that pro bono work should be part of every attorney’s practice. As members of the bar, we are collectively responsible for ensuring access to justice for all sectors of society, and committing time to pro bono work is critical to achieving that goal.
The process of preparing our family with their asylum merits hearing was incredibly unique because all of our prep work was done against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most rewarding part is seeing the relief on our clients’ faces when the immigration judge recited his decision to grant asylum from the bench. They’d been living in such fear and uncertainty, and the asylum grant meant that they could live safe and happy lives without having to constantly look over their shoulders.
Did you find CLSEPA’s mentorship and technical assistance helpful?
Yes! CLSEPA was incredibly helpful. Immigration law is not my wheelhouse, and our mentors —Mariam Kelly and Cristina Dos Santos—were incredibly patient and thorough in addressing any and all questions we had about the process.
What is your advice for pro bono attorneys considering taking on an asylum matter?
Do it! I think that pro bono work should be part of every attorney’s practice. As members of the bar, we are collectively responsible for ensuring access to justice for all sectors of society, and committing time to pro bono work is critical to achieving that goal.
Support CLSEPA by donating now!