{"id":17827,"date":"2022-10-13T15:48:51","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T20:48:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/?p=17827"},"modified":"2025-10-09T11:17:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T16:17:30","slug":"un-sistema-de-inmigracion-desbordado-se-enfrenta-a-la-escasez-de-abogados-en-medio-de-un-creciente-volumen-de-casos-atrasados","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2022\/10\/13\/an-overwhelmed-immigration-system-is-facing-a-shortage-of-attorneys-amid-a-growing-backlog-of-cases\/","title":{"rendered":"Un sistema de inmigraci\u00f3n desbordado se enfrenta a la escasez de abogados en medio de un creciente volumen de casos atrasados"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d745148\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col padding-3-percent inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>Frank Sandoval has spent the last four weeks volunteering to help migrants arriving on buses from Texas to find shelter and basic resources, like food and coats, in the Chicago area.<\/p>\n<p>As an immigrant himself, he relates to so many of the more than two thousand <a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/2022\/09\/13\/as-texas-governor-sends-more-buses-of-migrants-to-chicago-jobs-and-housing-help-needed\/\">migrants that have arrived in Chicago since August 31<\/a>. Like Sandoval, the majority of people bused to Chicago have fled Venezuela and are seeking asylum in the United States.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"templatera_shortcode\">\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d746600\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row vc_row-o-equal-height vc_row-flex vc_row-o-content-middle small\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone border_color_909090 border_style_solid \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d747124\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row vc_row-o-equal-height vc_row-flex vc_row-o-content-middle large top_margin_20px bottom_margin_20px\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"true\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row-bg-overlay row-bg-layer\" style=\"background: #FFFFFF; background: linear-gradient(90deg,#FFFFFF 0%,#FFFFFF 100%);  opacity: 1; \"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col padding-3-percent force-phone-text-align-center inherit_tablet inherit_phone border_top_desktop_1px border_bottom_desktop_1px border_color_FFFFFF border_style_solid \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d7478d7\" data-midnight=\"\" data-column-margin=\"default\" class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row inner_row vc_row-o-equal-height vc_row-flex vc_row-o-content-middle\"  style=\"\"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\"> <div class=\"row-bg\" ><\/div> <\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12_inner col span_12  left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-7 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col child_column no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"   data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<h4 id=\"news-that-puts-power-under-the-spotlight-and-communities-at-the-center\"><strong>News that puts power under the spotlight and communities at the center.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates twice a week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div style=\"margin-top: -20px; \" class=\"vc_col-sm-5 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col child_column neg-marg no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"   data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"wpb_raw_code wpb_raw_html wpb_content_element\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"_form_1\"><\/div><script src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.bluelena.io\/f\/embed.php?id=1\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>Because Sandoval is bilingual, he\u2019s been able to assist with intake documentation and provide translation services at the shelters as a volunteer with the nonprofit <a href=\"https:\/\/ilaccesstojustice.com\/\">Illinois Access to Justice<\/a>. He\u2019s also serving food to the migrants, attempting to help get them working permits and spending hours of his time talking with them about their current situation and the legal challenges they\u2019re facing. As an attorney, and someone who has dedicated himself to helping others, he\u2019s glad he can provide support for the migrants.<\/p>\n<p>But he said the experience is stirring up deep emotions from his own difficult journey to the U.S. four years ago. He\u2019s reminded of how much it hurt to be away from his family and how scared he was that he would not be able to stay in his new home.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m reliving everything,\u201d said Sandoval. \u201cEverything\u2019s coming up again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d7494dd\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row article-image\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap center\" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" >\r\n      <div class=\"inner\">\r\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \r\n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\r\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221004_Frank_Sandoval-6.jpg\" alt=\"Frank Sandoval wearing all green and speaking emphatically on a raised platform indoors\"  \/>\r\n         <\/div>\r\n      <\/div><span class=\"vc_figure-caption ccfic-text media-caption\">Frank Sandoval speaks to the National Coalition of Union Leaders ahead of the May Day rally on how to fight against the government and exert their rights in Caracas, Venezuela, April, 2018. This image was part of Sandoval\u2019s case for asylum in the U.S..<\/span><span class=\"media-credit\">Photo courtesy of Frank Sandoval<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d74a828\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col padding-3-percent inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>Back in Venezuela, Sandoval was an attorney who specialized in tax and labor law. But when his life was threatened because of his political affiliation, he came to the U.S. in 2018 to seek asylum.<\/p>\n<p>The asylum process has only become more difficult since then due to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law360.com\/articles\/1462197\/83-000-afghans-made-it-to-the-us-now-they-need-lawyers\">a shortage of immigration lawyers in the U.S. that handle asylum cases<\/a>, a problem that has been mounting for years. Immigration advocates Borderless spoke with say that the need for immigration lawyers, particularly those that handle asylum cases, is at an all-time high. Burnout, years of changing immigration policies under President Donald Trump, and the influx of asylum seekers and migrants from countries like Afghanistan, Ukraine and Venezuela in recent years has only added to the growing crisis. And with the stakes for asylum seekers who have fled dangerous conditions and need representation in immigration court often being a matter of life or death, immigrant advocates in Chicago are searching for new solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<h2 id=\"an-overburdened-legal-system\"><strong>An Overburdened Legal System<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Like many industries, immigration lawyers struggled through the pandemic. Many have quit due in part to the stress of the job, challenging policies put in place under the Trump administration, and a growing backlog of cases. Representing asylum seekers, in particular, offers its own difficulties, including clients who can pay little or nothing for representation.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere&#8217;s a shortage of immigration attorneys that will take on asylum cases, period,\u201d said KiKi Mosley, an immigration attorney of twelve years and treasurer of the Chicago chapter of the <a href=\"https:\/\/ailachicago.org\/\">American Immigration Lawyers Association<\/a>. \u201cWhen taking on asylee and refugee cases, immigration attorneys are not looking to turn a profit, but you get to a point where it\u2019s hard to pay your own bills for your practice.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As a major city that attracts immigrants, Chicago specifically has been struggling to support the recent influx of asylum seekers. <a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/2019\/11\/20\/funding-cuts-under-trump-are-forcing-clinics-and-organizations-that-serve-refugees-to-close\/\">After dealing with cuts under the Trump administration<\/a> and then the COVID-19 pandemic, immigrant serving organizations\u2019 resources were already strained before the war in Ukraine and the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and subsequent Taliban takeover sent thousands of refugees and asylum seekers to Chicago. The recent arrival of migrants from Texas has only added to the strain on organizations\u2019 resources, including legal services and representation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"nectar_single_testimonial\" tabindex=\"0\" data-color=\"default\" data-style=\"small_modern\"><div class=\"inner\"> <p><span class=\"open-quote\">&#8221;<\/span>\u201cThere are people who have been languishing, waiting for an [asylum] interview for years, who have no idea when they\u2019re actually going to be interviewed.\" <\/p><span class=\"wrap\"><span>KiKi Mosley<\/span><span class=\"title\">of the Chicago chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d74c1d5\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col padding-3-percent inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve seen humanitarian crisis after humanitarian crisis,\u201d said Jane Lombardi, the director of immigrant justice partnerships at <a href=\"https:\/\/resurrectionproject.org\/\">The Resurrection Project<\/a>, a nonprofit that provides affordable housing, financial education, and immigration legal services and advocacy in Chicago. \u201cWith so many folks needing asylum assistance, it\u2019s really stretching our providers to meet the needs within a short timeframe.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>With very little structure or timeline, asylum cases take on average four and half years \u2014 and <a href=\"https:\/\/trac.syr.edu\/immigration\/reports\/672\/\">one in three<\/a>\u00a0asylum applications that have been filed since October 2000 are still pending.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are people who have been languishing, waiting for an [asylum] interview for years, who have no idea when they\u2019re actually going to be interviewed,\u201d said Mosley.<\/p>\n<p>There are two types of asylum cases, affirmative and defensive. Affirmative asylum cases require an individual to be physically present in the U.S. and fear for their safety in their home country. Affirmative asylum seekers have one year to file an application.<\/p>\n<p>Defensive asylum is when deportation proceedings have begun and an individual requests asylum to prevent removal from the U.S. These cases are made in defense against the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s desire to remove that person from the U.S. Most asylum seekers being bused to Chicago from Texas are facing defensive asylum cases, say immigrant advocates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"fws_69d209d74cc2b\" data-midnight=\"\" data-column-margin=\"default\" class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row inner_row\"  style=\"\"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\"> <div class=\"row-bg\" ><\/div> <\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12_inner col span_12  left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col child_column no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone border_bottom_desktop_1px border_color_000000 border_style_solid \"   data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_black wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text\" ><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><h4 id=\"read-more-of-our-coverage\">Read More of Our Coverage<\/h4><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-inline-posts\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-inline-posts-container pk-inline-posts-template-list\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-columns=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-17267\" class=\"post-17267 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-immigration-policy tag-txbusmigranthousing\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-outer\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-overlay pk-overlay-ratio pk-ratio-landscape\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-overlay-background\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2022\/09\/13\/as-texas-governor-sends-more-buses-of-migrants-to-chicago-jobs-and-housing-help-needed\/\" class=\"pk-overlay-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Migrants_featured.jpg\" class=\"attachment-pk-thumbnail size-pk-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Migrants hub by a bus after being sent to Chicago from Texas by Gov. Greg Abbott\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<header>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"pk-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2022\/09\/13\/as-texas-governor-sends-more-buses-of-migrants-to-chicago-jobs-and-housing-help-needed\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">As Texas Governor Sends More Buses of Migrants to Chicago, Jobs and Housing Help Needed<\/a><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"pk-meta-author meta-author\"><span class=\"author vcard\"><a class=\"url fn n\" href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/author\/diane-bou-khalil\/\" title=\"View all posts by Diane Bou Khalil, Jesus J. Montero\">Diane Bou Khalil, Jesus J. Montero<\/a><\/span><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sep\">\u00b7<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"pk-meta-date meta-date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2022\/09\/13\/as-texas-governor-sends-more-buses-of-migrants-to-chicago-jobs-and-housing-help-needed\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">septiembre 13, 2022<\/a><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header><!-- .entry-header -->\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .post-inner -->\n\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .post-outer -->\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>Because there is a more imminent threat in defensive asylum cases, local organizations like the National Immigrant Justice Center often allocate more resources to providing counsel to defensive asylum seekers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith the shortage, we\u2019re trying to figure out where is the place where we can prevent the most acute threat of harm, and that\u2019s in a defensive context,\u201d said Lisa Koop, the National Director of Legal Services at NIJC.<\/p>\n<p>In both types of asylum cases, individuals are not guaranteed legal representation. Asylum seekers must rely on a meager number of pro bono services, or foot the bill for an immigration lawyer, ranging anywhere from <a href=\"https:\/\/citizenpath.com\/immigration-lawyer-cost\/\">$1,000 to over $10,000<\/a>, depending on the type of case. Even if someone can afford a lawyer\u2019s fee, finding legal representation in time for your asylum hearing can be difficult.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are scenarios where you have people that are being pushed through the system really quickly. And with no right to appointed counsel, you can find yourself set for an asylum trial before you have the opportunity to locate counsel, and that can be really detrimental,\u201d Koop said.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, asylum cases require exhaustive work, and typically involve stories of tremendous trauma that lawyers have to shoulder. Burnout is rampant among lawyers, and a mounting backlog is not helping the already overwhelmed system. It\u2019s a system that Sandoval is all too familiar with, as an attorney, and as someone who went through the asylum process himself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<h2 id=\"sandovals-journey-to-freedom\"><strong>Sandoval\u2019s Journey to Freedom<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Sandoval first came to the U.S. from Venezuela in the \u201890s to study English and paralegal studies. He expected that the skills he learned would be helpful, and that being bilingual would allow him to provide legal assistance to more people back home.<\/p>\n<p>But his return to Venezuela in 2000 brought him financial problems, hardship, and ultimately put his life in danger.<\/p>\n<p>Sandoval resumed his professional life as an attorney once home and became a professor at two local universities. When he became ill in 2011, he faced mounting financial strain and wanted to find a job with more stability. Through a friend, he was able to secure a government job, but had to hide his active affiliation with an anti-government party.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"wpb_widgetised_column wpb_content_element\">\n\t\t<div id=\"sidebar\" data-nectar-ss=\"true\" class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div id=\"custom_html-4 1articleright\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html\"><h3 id=\"wordpress-popular-posts\" class=\"widget-title\">WordPress Popular Posts<\/h3><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><h4 id=\"trending-posts\" class=\"widget-title\">Trending Posts<\/h4><div class=\"wpp-shortcode\"><script type=\"application\/json\" data-id=\"wpp-shortcode-inline-js\">{\"title\":\"Trending Posts\",\"limit\":\"3\",\"offset\":0,\"range\":\"custom\",\"time_quantity\":\"124\",\"time_unit\":\"day\",\"freshness\":\"1\",\"order_by\":\"views\",\"post_type\":\"post\",\"pid\":\"\",\"exclude\":\"\",\"cat\":\"\",\"taxonomy\":\"category\",\"term_id\":\"\",\"author\":\"\",\"shorten_title\":{\"active\":false,\"length\":0,\"words\":false},\"post-excerpt\":{\"active\":false,\"length\":0,\"keep_format\":false,\"words\":false},\"thumbnail\":{\"active\":true,\"build\":\"predefined\",\"width\":\"240\",\"height\":\"160\"},\"rating\":false,\"stats_tag\":{\"comment_count\":false,\"views\":false,\"author\":false,\"date\":{\"active\":false,\"format\":\"F j, Y\"},\"category\":false,\"taxonomy\":{\"active\":false,\"name\":\"category\"}},\"markup\":{\"custom_html\":true,\"wpp-start\":\"&lt;ul class=&quot;wpp-list wpp-cardview&quot;&gt;\",\"wpp-end\":\"&lt;\\\/ul&gt;\",\"title-start\":\"&lt;h4 class=&quot;widget-title&quot;&gt;\",\"title-end\":\"&lt;\\\/h4&gt;\",\"post-html\":\"&lt;li&gt;{thumb} {title} {stats}&lt;\\\/li&gt;\"},\"theme\":{\"name\":\"\"}}<\/script><div class=\"wpp-shortcode-placeholder\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div> \n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d751484\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row article-image\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap center\" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" >\r\n      <div class=\"inner\">\r\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \r\n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\r\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" data-animation=\"fade-in\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221004_Frank_Sandoval-4.jpg\" alt=\"Frank Sandoval in his office wearing a white button up and a tie\"  \/>\r\n         <\/div>\r\n      <\/div><span class=\"vc_figure-caption ccfic-text media-caption\">Frank Sandoval in his office at the Supreme Tribunal where he worked as a decision drafter in Caracas, Venezuela, 2011.<\/span><span class=\"media-credit\">Photo courtesy of Frank Sandoval<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d7527fe\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrw.org\/report\/2008\/09\/18\/decade-under-chavez\/political-intolerance-and-lost-opportunities-advancing-human\">Venezuelan government under then-President Hugo Ch\u00e1vez<\/a> was known widely for their discrimination against political opponents and critics. They had fired political opponents from state agencies, denied citizens access to social programs, and discriminated against critical media outlets and labor unions. United Nations investigators found that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2019\/07\/04\/world\/americas\/venezuela-police-abuses.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share\">Ch\u00e1vez loyalists would kidnap, torture, and kill<\/a> political adversaries.<\/p>\n<p>When new leadership was appointed in the government following his friend&#8217;s retirement, he was asked to resign because of his political party affiliation. When he refused, he was demoted. But he remained politically active. As images of him at demonstrations began circulating, he was denied medical treatment for his debilitating illness, and received continued calls and messages threatening his life. He was no longer safe at home. That\u2019s when he decided to flee to the U.S.<\/p>\n<p>In June 2018, he came to New Jersey to be with his father and filed for asylum. He relocated to New York the next month, was given a work permit and was volunteering for Legal Services NYC, but struggled to find work in the city. He looked to the lawyers at Legal Services NYC for help with his asylum case, but since he technically worked for them, they said they were unable to represent him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d75379a\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap \" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"none\" >\r\n      <div class=\"inner\">\r\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \r\n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\r\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" data-animation=\"none\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221004_Frank_Sandoval_web-2.jpg\" alt=\"Frank Sandoval wearing a gray jacket and blue dot tie in front of a cream wall with rays of sunlight\"  \/>\r\n         <\/div>\r\n      <\/div><span class=\"vc_figure-caption ccfic-text media-caption\">Frank Sandoval at his office at the Spanish Community Center in Joliet, Ill., Oct. 4, 2022. Sandoval has worked as a paralegal there for about a year and a half. The red pin represents Sandoval\u2019s membership to the Federaci\u00f3n de Colegios de Abogados de Venezuela, a Venezuelan professional association of lawyers. <\/span><span class=\"media-credit\">Michelle Kanaar\/Borderless Magazine<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d754a23\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>He moved to Illinois the next year to take a job as a legal associate. Even with his new salary, however, he couldn\u2019t afford a private attorney for his asylum case, which he was told would cost him $8,000. Making matters worse, he found out that he made too much money to qualify for a pro bono attorney, even though he was only making $20 an hour.<\/p>\n<p>Sandoval finally decided that he was going to represent himself. He attended an asylum legal training, watched videos about the immigration hearing process, studied the court regulations policies, consulted those that had been through the process, and gathered the evidence necessary for his case.<\/p>\n<p>After a grueling process lasting four years, Sandoval was finally granted asylum.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI felt not just relief but I felt safe,\u201d said Sandoval. \u201cI felt like I\u2019m going to keep living.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"fws_69d209d755348\" data-midnight=\"\" data-column-margin=\"default\" class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row inner_row\"  style=\"\"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\"> <div class=\"row-bg\" ><\/div> <\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12_inner col span_12  left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col child_column no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone border_bottom_desktop_1px border_color_000000 border_style_solid \"   data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"vc_separator wpb_content_element vc_separator_align_center vc_sep_width_100 vc_sep_pos_align_center vc_sep_color_black wpb_content_element vc_separator-has-text\" ><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_l\"><span class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span><h4 id=\"read-more-of-our-coverage-2\">Read More of Our Coverage<\/h4><span class=\"vc_sep_holder vc_sep_holder_r\"><span class=\"vc_sep_line\"><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-inline-posts\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-inline-posts-container pk-inline-posts-template-list\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-columns=\"1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-893\" class=\"post-893 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-as-told-to tag-asylumcity\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-outer\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-overlay pk-overlay-ratio pk-ratio-landscape\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-overlay-background\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2019\/10\/23\/the-harrowing-stories-of-six-asylum-seekers-who-now-call-chicago-home\/\" class=\"pk-overlay-link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/House2A.jpg\" class=\"attachment-pk-thumbnail size-pk-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<header>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"pk-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2019\/10\/23\/the-harrowing-stories-of-six-asylum-seekers-who-now-call-chicago-home\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Asylum City<\/a><\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pk-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"pk-meta-author meta-author\"><span class=\"author vcard\"><a class=\"url fn n\" href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/author\/borderless-magazine-staff\/\" title=\"View all posts by Borderless Magazine Staff, Sarah Conway, Michelle Kanaar, Apoorva Mittal, Kash\">Borderless Magazine Staff, Sarah Conway, Michelle Kanaar, Apoorva Mittal, Kash<\/a><\/span><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"sep\">\u00b7<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"pk-meta-date meta-date\"><a href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2019\/10\/23\/the-harrowing-stories-of-six-asylum-seekers-who-now-call-chicago-home\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">octubre 23, 2019<\/a><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/header><!-- .entry-header -->\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .post-inner -->\n\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .post-outer -->\n\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d7595fd\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>But Sandoval\u2019s English education and legal knowledge and experience make him a rare case among asylum seekers.<\/p>\n<p>Between October 2000 and September 2021, of the 1.3 million completed asylum cases out of nearly 2 million filed, <a href=\"https:\/\/trac.syr.edu\/immigration\/reports\/672\/\">only 46% were granted asylum<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>And those without representation typically fare far worse.<\/p>\n<p>A lack of English language skills, legal know-how, and a general understanding of all that\u2019s required in an asylum case creates tremendous barriers for those that represent themselves, known as \u201cpro se\u201d asylum seekers, says Lombardi.<\/p>\n<p>Only <a href=\"https:\/\/trac.syr.edu\/immigration\/reports\/491\/\">1 in 10 individuals win their asylum case<\/a> when they don\u2019t have legal representation. And as the immigrant lawyer shortage continues, more and more asylum seekers hoping for safety in the United States are coming to terms with that reality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<h2 id=\"restructuring-resources\"><strong>Restructuring Resources<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The need for attorneys has made immigration law offices and organizations that assist in asylum representation in Chicago rethink how they\u2019re distributing their resources.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are trying to respond to the shortage of attorneys by equipping people to represent themselves, which is not ideal, but there are few good options,\u201d said Koop of NIJC. The nonprofit has been running pro se affirmative asylum clinics in partnership with other legal aids and organizations to help asylum seekers understand the ins and outs of the court system and to give them a better chance of winning their case. They walk individuals through applying for asylum, how to prepare their forms, and what to expect during their interview.<\/p>\n<p>They also have set up an <a href=\"https:\/\/immigrantjustice.org\/services\/immigration-court-helpdesk#:~:text=You%20can%20call%20the%20hotline,appointment%20for%20a%20legal%20consultation.\">Immigration Court Helpdesk Hotline<\/a> where immigrants filing for defensive asylum can receive free legal information, including an overview of the immigration court hearing process, forms of relief available, and referrals to legal representation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d75a681\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<blockquote class=\"nectar_single_testimonial\" tabindex=\"0\" data-color=\"default\" data-style=\"small_modern\"><div class=\"inner\"> <p><span class=\"open-quote\">&#8221;<\/span>\u201cWe are trying to respond to the shortage of attorneys by equipping people to represent themselves, which is not ideal, but there are few good options.\u201d <\/p><span class=\"wrap\"><span>Lisa Koop<\/span><span class=\"title\">National Director of Legal Services at the National Immigrant Justice Center<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d75b59f\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>\u201cIf we can formalize some of the information sharing and create things like videos or written materials that can be passed on to everyone, it&#8217;ll free up some of our attorneys to be able to meet one-on-one with people and answer questions and help them really have their stories be told in the most effective way possible,\u201d said Elizabeth Rompf Bruen, an immigration attorney and chair of the Chicago chapter of AILA.<\/p>\n<p>AILA is also recruiting volunteer law students and attorneys to help with intake, interpreting and legal screening to help alleviate the shortage of assistance.<\/p>\n<p>This fast mobilization among various immigrant serving organizations and legal groups has been critical in the last year, Rompf Bruen said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s been great watching cooperation between government representatives, various nonprofits and private attorneys responding to the need for legal services,\u201d Rompf Bruen said. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen these receiving communities step up and form a village around our newest neighbors so they can receive safety and support.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<h2 id=\"persisting-challenges\"><strong>Persisting Challenges<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>While the city of Chicago has done its best to rally around the needs of the newly arrived asylum seekers, there are still plenty of remaining challenges.<\/p>\n<p>For one, many of the migrants have upcoming court dates in locations that are thousands of miles away. And while <a href=\"https:\/\/blockclubchicago.org\/2022\/09\/14\/pritzker-declares-state-of-emergency-to-fast-track-housing-medical-care-and-more-for-texas-migrants-bused-to-chicago\/\">Pritzker\u2019s State of Emergency declaration<\/a> will hopefully help speed up housing, transportation and care for these individuals, resources are still needed on a continual basis.<\/p>\n<p>Koop says it\u2019s also important that resources are allocated to help with capacity building for legal services, like mentoring potential lawyers, and creating a pipeline of advocates, particularly those who bring cultural competency and speak other languages.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, Lombardi said that there\u2019s a need for sustained funding to be able to pay nonprofit staff a competitive salary. <a href=\"https:\/\/immigrantjustice.org\/chicago-legal-protection-fund\">Significant state-funded investment to nonprofits<\/a> that provide immigration legal services only began in recent years, which means organizations are still trying to build up their expertise and ability to take on asylum cases.<\/p>\n<p>To help expand the community of immigration lawyers, several programs have launched to break down barriers for those that might find law school prohibitive.<\/p>\n<p>The Resurrection Project just launched a fellowship called the <a href=\"https:\/\/resurrectionproject.org\/immigrant-justice-leadership-academy\/\">Colibri Fellowship for DOJ Accreditation<\/a> \u2014 a first of its kind professional fellowship to train individuals seeking DOJ Accreditation. The fellowship lasts a year, and all of the 23 fellows are either immigrants themselves or children of immigrants.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/eoir\/recognition-and-accreditation-program\">the Recognition and Accreditation Program<\/a> under the Department of Justice allows nonprofits to become recognized organizations and have their non-attorney staff act as legal representatives in immigration court.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, legal advocates like Frank Sandoval and immigrants seeking asylum want a more formalized and expedited process with adequate resources to tell the stories of the millions of people seeking asylum.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe want the administration to process these cases faster,\u201d said Sandoval. \u201cWe come here because we are looking for a safe place to live, but there\u2019s no immediate relief. You get stuck in immigration procedures for years.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d75c630\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-with-aniamtion-wrap center\" data-max-width=\"100%\" data-max-width-mobile=\"default\" data-shadow=\"none\" data-animation=\"none\" >\r\n      <div class=\"inner\">\r\n        <div class=\"hover-wrap\"> \r\n          <div class=\"hover-wrap-inner\">\r\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-animation skip-lazy \" data-delay=\"0\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" data-animation=\"none\" src=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/221004_Frank_Sandoval-5.jpg\" alt=\"Frank Sandoval&#039;s wife, daughter and Frank himself\"  \/>\r\n         <\/div>\r\n      <\/div><span class=\"vc_figure-caption ccfic-text media-caption\">Frank Sandoval, right, and from left, his wife Carolina Aleman and his daughter, Massiel Sandoval at their home in Caracas, Venezuela on Christmas, Dec. 25, 2017. Frank Sandoval left shortly after for the U.S. He and his family have been separated for four years. <\/span><span class=\"media-credit\">Photo courtesy of Frank Sandoval<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"fws_69d209d75da90\"  data-column-margin=\"default\" data-midnight=\"dark\"  class=\"wpb_row vc_row-fluid vc_row\"  style=\"padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; \"><div class=\"row-bg-wrap\" data-bg-animation=\"none\" data-bg-animation-delay=\"\" data-bg-overlay=\"false\"><div class=\"inner-wrap row-bg-layer\" ><div class=\"row-bg viewport-desktop\"  style=\"\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"row_col_wrap_12 col span_12 dark left\">\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-8 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"wpb_text_column wpb_content_element \" >\n\t<p>Several times a day, Sandoval is interrupted from his mountain of immigration cases by the sound of bridge bells. He can see the seafoam green bridge that sits over the Des Plaines River out his office window at the Spanish Community Center in Joliet. The tranquil scene of the bridge going up is a welcome break from his difficult work advocating for immigrants. But it\u2019s also a reminder of how far he\u2019s come since he fled his home in Venezuela.<\/p>\n<p>It took nearly four years for Sandoval to finish his asylum case in the United States. He\u2019s now filing for asylum on behalf of his wife and daughter, who are still living in Venezuela. Sandoval submitted all the necessary paperwork and asked for an expedited process at the beginning of April 2022, but still hasn\u2019t heard back from the government.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe&#8217;ve been separated for four years, and I don&#8217;t know how long it&#8217;s going to take for them to come over here,\u201d Sandoval said. \u201cThis is crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He said he still has nightmares about his life in Venezuela, but he\u2019s hopeful that he and his family will be safely reunited here soon.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor&#8217;s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed a quote to KiKi Mosley. It has been updated to reflect the statement was made by Elizabeth Rompf Bruen.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\n\t<div  class=\"vc_col-sm-2 wpb_column column_container vc_column_container col no-extra-padding inherit_tablet inherit_phone \"  data-padding-pos=\"all\" data-has-bg-color=\"false\" data-bg-color=\"\" data-bg-opacity=\"1\" data-animation=\"\" data-delay=\"0\" >\n\t\t<div class=\"vc_column-inner\" >\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>La llegada a Chicago de m\u00e1s de dos mil inmigrantes procedentes de Texas est\u00e1 agravando la necesidad de abogados que lleven casos de asilo.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":17833,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[405],"coauthors":[206],"class_list":{"0":"post-17827","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-immigration-policy","8":"tag-asylumattorneyshortage"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A Shortage of Immigration Attorneys for a Backlog of Asylum Cases<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. need attorneys to represent them in court. Some cases are taking more than four years to process.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/borderlessmag.org\/es\/2022\/10\/13\/un-sistema-de-inmigracion-desbordado-se-enfrenta-a-la-escasez-de-abogados-en-medio-de-un-creciente-volumen-de-casos-atrasados\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"An Overwhelmed Immigration System is Facing a Shortage of Attorneys Amid a Growing Backlog of Cases &#8211; Immigration Policy &#8211; Borderless Magazine NFP\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"An Overwhelmed Immigration System is Facing a Shortage of Attorneys Amid a Growing Backlog of Cases &#8211; Immigration Policy &#8211; Borderless Magazine NFP\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" 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