Accessing Justice: The Availability and Adequacy of Counsel in Removal Proceedings (New York Immigrant Representation Study Report: Part 1)

Authors

• Peter L. Markowitz, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of LawFollow
• Jojo Annobil, Legal Aid Society of New York
• Stacy Caplow, Brooklyn Law School
• Peter v.Z Cobb, Fried Frank Shriver & Jacobson LLP (Retired)
• Nancy Morawetz, New York University School of Law
• Oren Root, Vera Institute of Justice
• Claudia Slovinsky, Law Offices of Claudia Slovinsky
• Zhifen Cheng, Vera Institute of Justice
• Lindsay Nash, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of LawFollow

Abstract

The article addresses the immigrant representation crisis in U.S. immigration courts, highlighting a severe shortage of competent legal representation for individuals in removal proceedings. This crisis is marked by both a lack of quantity and quality of representation, exacerbated by rising deportation rates, detention practices, and resource constraints faced by removal defense providers (RDPs). The study underscores the critical role of legal representation in achieving successful outcomes, with stark disparities in success rates between represented and unrepresented individuals. It advocates for systemic solutions, including expanded funding, improved coordination among providers, and policy reforms to ensure fair and competent representation for all respondents.

Disciplines

Immigration Law | Law | Legal Profession

Recommended Citation

Peter L. Markowitz, Jojo Annobil, Stacy Caplow, Peter v. Cobb, Nancy Morawetz, Oren Root, Claudia Slovinsky, Zhifen Cheng & Lindsay Nash, Accessing Justice: The Availability and Adequacy of Counsel in Removal Proceedings (New York Immigrant Representation Study Report: Part 1), 33 Cardozo L. Rev. 357 (2011).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/clr/vol33/iss2/7