ABA video marks 25th anniversary of program that helps asylum-seekers

In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project - ProBAR - the American Bar Association has produced a commemorative video on the project and its role in helping immigrants and asylum-seekers detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement along the Texas border.

The video, titled "The 25th Anniversary of ProBAR: Pursuing Justice, Changing Lives," tells the personal stories of clients assisted by ProBAR lawyers and pro bono volunteers.

ProBAR is a national effort to provide pro bono legal services to indigent immigrants and asylum-seekers detained in South Texas by the U.S. government. The project recruits, trains and coordinates the activities of volunteer attorneys, law students and legal assistants. ProBAR is a project of the ABA and receives significant support from the State Bar of Texas and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. The Texas Access to Justice Foundation and the Texas Bar Foundation also provide critical financial support to this project.

"Everyone deserves the right to counsel, including newcomers to our nation," said ABA President William C. Hubbard. "ProBAR lawyers provide a lifeline to those who have nowhere else to turn. At the same time, lawyers who volunteer with ProBAR gain unique hands-on court experience. Volunteers gain a greater understanding of U.S. immigration laws and a dedication to human rights."

Published: Wed, Nov 19, 2014