Immigration Justice Project (IJP)
The Immigration Justice Program (IJP) is dedicated to promoting access to justice and ensuring due process for indigent immigrants and asylum seekers in the San Diego border region. IJP provides comprehensive legal services across various sectors: Direct Representation, offering free legal counsel to unaccompanied minors, adults facing deportation, and individuals with serious mental health issues; Orientation Programs, informing detained and non-detained citizens about their legal rights; Pro Bono Program, recruiting and supporting volunteer attorneys and law students to provides pro bono representation; and Operations, managing the administrative, data, and communication functions that support IJP’s mission to expand legal access and promote the fair administration of justice.
Your Gift Matters
Your gift ensures that immigrants and asylum seekers, who
are not entitled to government-funded counsel, do not have to navigate the
complex immigration system alone. With your support, we provide essential legal
representation, giving individuals a fair chance to seek safety, security, and
justice. Without this dedicated advocacy, many face the risk of prolonged
detention or unjust deportation. Your donation empowers IJP to continue
recruiting, training, and mentoring volunteers, attorneys, and students – equipping
them with the skills and resources to safeguard clients’ rights and work toward
family reunification.
Our Impact
IJP has made a
profound impact on the immigration community by making guidance, support, and
representation accessible to those who would otherwise not be able to due to
cost. Annually, IJP receives nearly 1,000 applications for representation with
over 800 applications received so far this year. Our main objectives are to
uphold due process and ensure justice is maintained through every facet of the
immigration and appellate process. The ABA understands that the cost for legal
representation and limited access to justice are the biggest impediments facing
many clients today. With your support IJP can provide free legal counsel to
thousands of immigrants and asylum seekers. Nearly 90% of IJP’s clients are
between the ages of 18-59 with roughly 10 percent being minors. Within this
group there are countless success stories of
individuals who can remain in the U.S., reunite with their families, and create
new lives free from persecution.
“I encourage everyone to support the Immigration Justice Project because their support makes the difference between access to legal representation and keeping their families together."
– Olavo Michel, Staff Attorney
Volunteer & Stay Connected
- Join us in making a difference – volunteer for pro bono opportunities here.
- Stay updated on our work – read our latest newsletter here.
- Stay connected and inspired-follow us on Instagram: @ijp.sandiego
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