The National Immigration Project’s Habeas Project works with local partners in priority regions to help unlawfully detained noncitizens connect with pro bono legal representation to seek release through habeas corpus petitions. Our regional projects aim to facilitate rapid case placement with trusted attorneys and to provide ongoing resources, mentorship, and training to attorney partners who accept case referrals.
The National Immigration Project Habeas Project currently encompasses three regional projects:
- DMV Habeas Project: We partner with Amica Center to place and support habeas cases for individuals from the DC, Maryland, or Virginia region.
- Southeast Habeas Project: We work with ISLA and other local partners to place and support habeas cases for individuals detained in the southeast, with a primary focus on detentions in Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Gulf Coast region.
- Minnesota Habeas Project: We work with the Binger Center for New Americans and other local partners to place and support habeas cases for individuals who were living and arrested in Minnesota before their detention.
Refer a Case
Cases are eligible for placement if they meet the geographic scope of the project, indicate a need for pro bono representation, and demonstrate a viable legal claim for filing a habeas petition.
When submitting a referral, please provide intake information to the best of your ability. Case information transmitted through our intake form will be maintained by the National Immigration Project and shared with trusted partners for the purpose of case support and placement. We aim to place eligible cases with pro bono representation as quickly as possible, dependent on partner attorney capacity. Completing the form is not a guarantee of placement.
Volunteer
We welcome volunteers new to habeas practice, but experience in either federal litigation or immigration is preferable. We can provide templates, training, ongoing mentorship, and connections to local counsel as needed.