ABSTRACT
This chapter explores experiential instruction in the field of migration and humanitarian law through clinical education in the United States. Many law school clinics operate as immigration law practices assisting underserved non-citizens and educating students in the substantive and procedural law as well as the important skills of interviewing, fact investigation, client interaction and advocacy. Most US law school immigration clinics focus on domestic immigration law, with some programs placing greater emphasis on ‘asylum law’ – what other legal systems may recognize as ‘refugee’ law. Still other clinical programs broaden their focus to international human rights law. This exploration of this challenging yet rewarding area of law practice and legal instruction examines the pedagogical underpinnings of immigration clinics, how knowledge is imparted, why different methods are used, the difficulties encountered and the challenges ahead for clinical legal educators working in this area of law.
