Welcome to Immigration & Asylum Law!
The purpose of this course is to introduce you (UDC DCSL student) to the increasingly 
complex field of immigration law. During the last three decades or so, immigration has been the subject of intense public debate. As a result, Congress legislated a series of immigration reforms that have not only kept immigration practitioners busy, but have also provided expanded opportunities for graduating law students to enter this unique field of law. The courts are still grappling with complex issues raised by the implementation of the Illegal Immigration and Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA). IIRIRA brought fundamental changes to our immigration laws. These changes, most of which became effective on April 1, 1997, have resulted in increased litigation, as well as greater concern among immigrants who are in the United States in an unlawful status. Continue . ..>>
Click here for the Class Notes Page
Course review: Slide show
Final Exam: December 14 @ 6:15 pm
For the asylum question see: Valdiviezo-Galdamez v. Attorney General, 2011 WL 5345436 (3d Cir.)
For the cancellation question see: Matter of Islam, 25 I&N Dec. 637 (BIA 2011)
Immigration Reform
"But I believe we can put politics aside and finally have an immigration system that's accountable. I believe we can appeal not to people's fears but to their hopes, to their highest ideals, because that's who we are as Americans. It's been inscribed on our nation's seal since we declared our independence. "E pluribus unum." Out of many, one. That is what has drawn the persecuted and impoverished to our shores. That's what led the innovators and risk-takers from around the world to take a chance here in the land of opportunity. That's what has led people to endure untold hardships to reach this place called America." --Pres. Obama
Watch Lost in Detention on PBS. See more from FRONTLINE.
Our attitude toward immigration reflects our faith in the American ideal. We have always believed it possible for men and women who start at the bottom to rise as far as their talent and energy allow. Neither race nor place of birth should affect their chances.
--Robert Kennedy