Professor Andrew Greenberg L’89 received a Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP) of CNY’s Pro Bono Champion Award for his work with the VLP’s Immigration Law Program.
Since June of 2022, Greenberg has assisted several families from Afghanistan in Central New York in filing asylum applications with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. A number of College of Law students have also assisted Greenberg with the applications, earning valuable hands-on experience with real-world clients in need of representation. Both Greenberg and the students work with VLP’s experienced immigration legal staff to operate as a team.
During the week of October 16, Greenberg learned that one of the families he helped apply for asylum was granted this important legal milestone.
Greenberg continues to help families navigate the asylum process along with College of Law student volunteers. “The process is short enough for students to interview the clients, prepare written documentation, attend the interview session, and find out the result over the course of two semesters. They benefit from the experience of helping clients with compelling stories that are appreciative of their efforts,” says Greenberg.
There is urgent need for volunteer lawyers and volunteer students to provide legal support to new members of our community. Clinics are currently scheduled for November 8 and 29, 2023. Anyone interested should contact VLP volunteer coordinator Anna Porter (aporter@vlpcny.org).
About the Volunteer Lawyers Project
The Volunteer Lawyers Project of CNY, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit legal aid organization that provides free legal information, assistance, and representation in civil legal matters to low-income people in Central New York. Our services are provided by staff and volunteer attorneys with the help of paralegals and law students.
Services throughout Central New York include legal issues related to housing, family, elder, LGBT* rights, immigration, debt, and economic opportunity.