In light of Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ announcement regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) this morning, the local immigration legal community is working together to assist those eligible for DACA or renewal in planning next steps.
The Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) will be extending the hours of their free Friday legal clinic this Friday, September 8th, to include the hours of 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in addition to the 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. regular clinic hours. The hours of 9 a.m.-12:30 pm will be dedicated to serving those inquiring about DACA. The clinic hopes to provide Dreamers with legal screening for alternate forms of relief and advice navigating the uncertainty around DACA’s future. CILC is housed within Christ Presbyterian Church and is located at 944 E. Gorham St.
“We are not sure what to anticipate from the ‘wind down’ that Attorney General Sessions announced today, but we will be closely monitoring any developments to share with those affected by this announcement,” said Aissa Olivarez, staff attorney at Community Immigration Law Center. “There are 14,000 students who are DACA eligible in Wisconsin and their lives are now placed on hold until Congress decides to act.”
CILC has been providing free walk-in clinics where you can talk to a volunteer immigration lawyer about your case to the local community since 2009. Walk-in clinics are held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month from 1:30 pm-5 pm at Christ Presbyterian Church at 944 East Gorham Street in Madison. Walk-in clinics are only on the 2nd Friday in November and December due to the holidays. There is no appointment needed. First come, first served.
“CILC will continue to be an invaluable resource for those with immigration questions or issues in our community,” said Jean-Rene Watchou, CILC board member and co-founder.
