Social Justice Collaborative (SJC)

Sjc's removal defense initiative is one of the few full-scope removal defense programs in the nation. It provides removal defense legal services for all low-income non-citizens in the bay area and central valley who have some form of viable relief available. The program utilizes staff attorneys to screens eligible candidates, both in immigration detention and out for potential relief, bond opportunities, defenses to deportation, and then provides high-quality full-scope defense from start to finish. Staff attorneys at sjc have sole responsibility to manage removal caseloads, attend immigration hearings and work directly with clients and their families. Paralegals and legal assistants are charged with working directly with attorneys and clients to work-up cases. Sjc's removal defense program also values compassionate representation which seeks to include wrap-around service referrals, clinic provision of benefits, and regular referral to mental health providers for evaluation and ongoing therapy. In 2019, sjc provided legal assistance to over 1,200 individuals and represented 600 families at no cost in their immigration matters while closing over 200 legal cases to successful completion.