Closure of Immigration Clinic Marks the End of an Era
The Immigration Clinic at the Faculty of Law has officially closed after 28 years of operation. This clinic allowed law students to engage directly with clients requiring immigration legal assistance, providing invaluable real-world experience.
Shift in Teaching Focus Leads to Clinic Closure
The clinic’s discontinuation stems from a request made by Kevin Loser, its director, to transition his teaching focus towards traditional classroom settings. Richard Moberly, the dean of the School of Law, acknowledged this change, stating, “After 40 years of teaching at the School of Law, I respect Professor Luther’s decision to change the focus of his teaching.”
Impact of Faculty Availability on Clinic Operations
According to Moberly, maintaining the clinic is not feasible without sufficient faculty dedicated to it. Without teachers specifically trained to guide such work, the clinic’s operations have become untenable.
Transition Brings New Opportunities for Students
Loser expressed mixed feelings about the clinic’s closure, noting, “While I will miss working with my students and clients, I see this as a transition period that will bring new challenges and opportunities as I am ready to teach other courses.” His optimism underscores the potential for growth within the academic framework.
Contributions of the Immigration Clinic to the Community
The clinic has made significant contributions to clients and the broader legal community in multiple ways. It not only provided direct representation for clients navigating the immigration system but also hosted community services, including an annual naturalization clinic. Additionally, it supported criminal defense attorneys representing non-citizens through detailed memoranda.
Experiential Learning Opportunities for Students
The clinic has traditionally accommodated two to eight students annually, providing them with invaluable experiential learning opportunities. Loser emphasized that although the clinic has closed, students can still explore immigration law through other avenues within the Faculty of Law. These include collaborative work with immigration service providers and enrollment in various clinics and research courses focused on this field.
Community Impact and Concerns Raised by Closure
While the clinic primarily served students, its closure may hinder access to essential representation for some non-citizens in the Lincoln area. Loser noted that while the number of active cases at the clinic has been modest, the need for immigration representation remains substantial within the community. Roxana Cortez Mills, legal director for the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Progress, described the closure as a significant loss, stating that diminished qualified legal representation can adversely affect the immigrant community.
