International Human Rights Clinic Co-Hosts “Expungement and Human Rights at Home” Event
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The International Human Rights Clinic at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law co-hosted the Chicago Start Anew Clinic this past Friday, September 13, 2024. This one-day clinic provided survivors of human trafficking assistance with expungement relief for human trafficking-related charges or convictions, immigration information, financial education and literacy programs, resume and interviewing workshops, and professional workwear.
This initiative is a new partnership between Jones Day law firm and UIC Law’s International Human Rights Clinic, and fits neatly within the IHRC’s human rights at home work.
During the event, participants received information and services, including important information relating to their past trafficking-related charges or convictions to be expunged from their criminal records, resume-building, job applications, and financial literacy. Pro bono attorneys from Jones Day will work with the survivors in the coming weeks to file applications for expungement-related relief. UIC Law student volunteers were able to support and observe this initial process and learn from the attorneys engaging in this work.
Under the supervision of Alejandra Palacios, IHRC staff attorney, student clinicians from the IHRC ran a resource table with immigration-related information and provided important information relating to the consequences of criminal convictions in immigration-related benefits.
Student Clinician Sasha Maynard says: “Working at the immigration help desk was an incredibly unique experience that challenged me to step outside my comfort zone. I was deeply inspired by the many people who trusted us with their stories, and I felt privileged to offer them information on the immigration process. I’m excited about the ongoing community support through the International Human Rights Clinic this semester and feel honored to be part of a team committed to helping others in our community.”
IHRC is thankful for their partners at Jones Day: Leigh Krahenbuhl, Carol Li, Robert Hart, and Shea Spreyer for all their hard work in organizing this event, and alumna Bethany Biesenthal for giving back to the UIC Law student community.