Community HeLP Clinic secures path for client’s asylum

The Community Health Law Partnership Clinic has secured a major victory for an asylum seeker after seven years of advocacy. The client was put into removal proceedings in 2015 after seeking refuge in the United States from violence in Guatemala. After her claim was denied by the Immigration Court and Board of Immigration Appeals, the Community HeLP Clinic appealed to the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Following full briefing and subsequent negotiation with the U.S. Department of Justice, the court ordered a full remand of the client’s case in 2021. On remand, the BIA dismissed all proceedings, meaning the client no longer faces removal from the United States and can now seek asylum from the Asylum Office. Staff Attorney Kristen Shepherd represented the client in the initial agency proceedings. She and Assoc. Dean & Clinic Director Jason A. Cade handled the Circuit Court appeal and the BIA remand. They were assisted by ​2021 alumnus Frederick J. King and 2022 graduate​s ​Thomas A. Evans and Ariane C. “Ari” Williams.