News & Updates

  1. What is ProBAR?

    South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project What is ProBAR? The South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project (ProBAR) is a project of the American Bar Association that provides legal information, pro se assistance and pro bono representation to thousands of immigrants and asylum-seekers in remote South Texas each year. ProBAR serves immigrants with a particular focus on the legal needs of adults and unaccompanied children in federal custody. For more than 30 years, ProBAR has been a leading provider of critical legal services for people at risk of deportation in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. 2 out of 5 migrants detained at the border begin their immigration process in the Rio Grande Valley. Immigrants are 5x more likely to be granted relief with an attorney's help. What We Do ProBAR informs immigrants about their rights and the immigration process. Legal orientations for adults in ICE detention Child-friendly "Know Your Rights" presentations for detained unaccompanied children Legal orientations for custodians of unaccompanied children ProBAR represents many immigrants in their legal cases and offers pro se assistance when full representation is not possible. Representation and assistance with: asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile status, T-visa, U-visa, cancellation of removal, family-based petitions, and other forms of humanitarian relief Assistance seeking release from detention on bond or parole ProBAR connects immigrants with legal and social services they need to effectively pursue their immigration cases. Legal referrals for unaccompanied children released to sponsors in other parts of the U.S. Referrals to social services, including health care, housing, and counseling, among others In 2020, our clinical team connected nearly 1,000 people to social services... ...and provided over 3,000 referrals for legal assistance. The judge granted me asylum, and in the courtroom, my friend from ProBAR gave me a hug and said something I will never forget: "Welcome home." -Abdullahi, Asylum grantee Who We Serve South Texas is the first stop in the immigration journey for thousands of migrants each year. Whether children and families from Central America or adults from around the world, many have traveled to the United States seeking protection from violence and persecution in their home countries. Facing language barriers, limited understanding of United States law, and limited financial resources, they also encounter an immigration system in which they do not have a right to appointed counsel. Access to legal information and representation gives them a chance to gain safety and stability in the United States. In 2021, 26,000 people were served by ProBAR Get Involved Volunteer Opportunities ProBAR offers pro bono opportunities for attorneys and law students who provide direct case services and representation. Volunteers also provide invaluable support with translation, interpretation, and administrative duties. To learn more about volunteering at ProBAR, contact volunteer@abaprobar.org. Internships Interns develop knowledge and practice skills for immigration advocacy through a combination of hands-on engagement directly with clients, participation in legal trainings, and research and writing assignments. To learn more about interning at ProBAR and the upcoming application cycle, contact volunteer@abaprobar.org. Careers ProBAR has opportunities for attorneys, legal assistants, paralegals, social workers, administrative professionals, specialists in legal services for children, and more. To learn more about a career at ProBAR and current openings, visit our job board. Donate Your gift helps immigrant adults, families, and children access the assistance they need to navigate the immigration system. To support ProBAR's ongoing work, donate today. ABA Membership Access new benefits and greater value. There's more to membership than you realize. Visit americanbar.org/membership. "As someone who was born in Mexico City and had to go through the immigration process, I understand how exhausting the process can be. I have always wanted to give back in some way... I am now able to help children who are going through the same process." -ProBAR Legal Assistant Connect With Us 202 S. 1st Street, Suite 300 Harlingen, Texas 78550 (956) 365-3775 probar@abaprobar.org AMBAR.ORG/PROBAR

    ProBAR works diligently to provide information and assistance, focusing particularly on the legal needs of adults and unaccompanied children in federal immigration detention facilities and those forced to remain in Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols.

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