LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new clinic from the University of Louisville is giving law students the opportunity to help the growing immigrant community within the city.
The goal is to help non-citizens legally working and living in Kentucky go through the process of gaining citizenship.
UofL's Brandeis School of Law is expanding their reach on what students can practice to become lawyers. They officially opened the immigration law clinic in August.
"Brandeis School received a grant through the state in order to start an immigration clinic," said Chris Kozoll, a visiting professor of law at UofL. "In order to help persons where permitted into the United States."
Louisville Metro Government told the university the immigrant population within Jefferson County could exceed 18% by 2040.
Students wanting to learn more about immigration can help non-citizens legally in Kentucky obtain the documents needed to gain citizenship like a driver's license.
Law student Irie Ewers is one of three participants already hard at work.
"Specifically in our clinic to date we've been able to help quite a lot of Cuban paroles or asylees," Ewers said. "Those seeking status."
While they learn about the legal system on campus, it's in downtown Louisville where they put that knowledge to work. The clinic is located in the same building as Legal Aid Society on West Muhammad Ali Boulevard. It's another asset to the immigrant community, which already has many programs willing to help them get established in Louisville.
"Everyone is doing so much," Ewers said. "Kentucky Refugee Ministries, La Casita, The New Americans Initiative, there is room for even more. I think personally, immigration is a hugely emotional real part of our society to date. I have very personal ties with immigration and it's such a joy and pleasure to be able to assist even in one application. This is the type of law that changes lives."
The clinic is referred clients from various nationalities. The law school has seen how difficult it can be for immigrants to find legal help.
"We are hoping to change that by educating students to go forward and be able to practice perhaps in partnerships with one of those organizations," Kozoll said. "But perhaps in their own private practice."
Ewers said there is room for growth and room for UofL to make expansions like this.
"I'm just thrilled to be a tiny piece of this wider network," Ewers said.
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