The Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Clinic (IRAC) at Catholic Law recently obtained asylum for three clients from Afghanistan. These victories showcase the impact that clinical education can have on students and clients alike.

Law school clinics like IRAC offer students the opportunity to gain real-world legal experience by representing clients who face serious challenges under the guidance of experienced attorneys. This practical training not only enhances their legal skills but also fosters a commitment to public service and social justice. And, as became the case for these clients, the students’ hard work and dedication can be life-changing.

Standing Up for an Afghan Women’s Rights Activist

In the first case, IRAC represented an Afghan scholar and women’s rights advocate who had been studying in the United States when the Taliban seized power in her home country in August 2021. She was left stranded, unable to safely return home out of fear of persecution by the Taliban for her activism.

Although she promptly applied for asylum in the U.S., her application became stuck in the Arlington Asylum Office’s years-long backlog of interviews for asylum seekers. With limited funding and without access to adequate healthcare, she endured severe dental pain and high levels of anxiety for which she could not afford treatment while waiting for her asylum interview.

Supervised by Clinical Assistant Professor Jocelyn Dyer, IRAC students Jessica Merino and Victoria Strasser took the case. The student attorneys crafted a compelling expedited interview request and sought relief through the asylum office. In the Spring of 2024, Dyer and Merino accompanied the client to her asylum interview, and her request for asylum was ultimately granted, securing her safety and a future in which she can pursue her goals.

Protecting an Elderly Afghan Couple from Persecution

In the second case, IRAC student attorneys represented an elderly Afghan couple who were under threat from the Taliban. Their children were highly educated, had illustrious careers with several international non-profit organizations, and had worked for the prior Afghan government before the Taliban’s resurgence. The entire family was also members of minority ethnic and religious groups. As a result, they were constantly in danger and faced grave threats from the Taliban’s return to power.

One of the couple’s children helped their parents escape Afghanistan and get to the United States. After they arrived, Dyer and student attorneys Zoe Manson and Joseph Lopes tirelessly represented the couple. The team helped their clients navigate around challenging language barriers, illiteracy, and heightened anxiety to prepare a comprehensive asylum application. Their diligence and empathy paid off when the couple was granted asylum this fall.

These cases highlight the transformative power of clinical education. IRAC students gain hands-on experience and make lasting contributions that improve their clients’ lives—skills and victories that will stay with them as they move forward in their legal careers.