International Human Rights Clinic Offers Series of “Human Rights at Home” Initiatives for Families at Risk
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International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) Staff Attorney Alejandra Palacios and a student team from the Community Outreach Project at UIC Law have been presenting important Know Your Rights materials to various stakeholders in the Chicagoland area as part of a broader Human Rights at Home Initiative.
These Community Outreach presentations and other direct and brief services offered by the clinic are designed to have the biggest impact in our communities by increasing legal literacy and helping families at risk to adopt Family Emergency Plans.
More specifically, student clinicians enrolled in the IHRC have participated in city-wide initiatives providing legal orientations at welcome centers, conducted individual legal orientations, provided immigration information at police stations and landing zones, connected immigrants with legal resources and referrals, and conducted individual intakes to assess for immigration relief. They are actively participating in events across the Chicagoland and in collaboration with the Illinois Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
Student clinicians, Ani Logun and Jesus Meraz, have demonstrated their commitment to immigrant justice and work under this broader Human Rights at Home Initiative. Their hands-on approach demonstrates the power of student advocacy in expanding access to legal information and protecting marginalized and vulnerable persons and communities.
Jesus Meraz says, “I enrolled in the Clinic because I wanted to gain real world lawyering experience in the context of international human rights. As a son of immigrants and former military member serving overseas, I understand the unique challenges that our communities face and I want to provide them with the right resources to navigate the complexities of the immigration process, especially at a heightened time of uncertainty. We have seen strong attendance in our events which shows the need for this type of work in our society and furthers my commitment to the mission of the Clinic.”
Ani Logun shares, “One of the key aspects I had hoped for was that I would gain work experience and learn simultaneously, and indeed, the clinic has done an exceptional job of integrating both. Additionally, I was drawn to the clinic because the clinic is doing incredible and essential work, helping those who truly need it. Before joining, I thought I had a clear understanding of what I wanted to pursue and what I did not, but my experiences here have broadened my perspective.”
To support this important Human Rights at Home Initiative, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the IHRC Crowdfunding Campaign.
