Immigrant & Refugee Law Center

October, 2024

The Immigrant & Refugee Law Center (IRLC) has made significant strides in supporting immigrant and refugee families in the Greater Cincinnati community since its inception in February 2018. By offering accessible legal services tailored to the unique needs of these families, the center directly addresses a critical gap in the region.

IRLC provides pro bono legal assistance to low-income immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, including vulnerable groups such as unaccompanied minors and survivors of domestic violence. This advocacy is vital as families navigating the complexities of immigration law are often at risk of deportation, family separation, and other legal challenges. With legal representation, clients have a substantially higher chance of successfully resolving their cases—five times more likely, in fact—providing families with stability and a stronger foundation for their future.

Since opening, IRLC has processed over 1,200 cases, impacting hundreds of families and nearly 1,000 children from 78 different countries. Its outreach extends to families in over 30 schools across Cincinnati, where it conducts youth programs and Know Your Rights initiatives to empower the community with essential legal knowledge. The center has also engaged in extensive training of over 300 law students, interns, and volunteer attorneys, amplifying the capacity for advocacy in the legal community.

In response to a growing demand for services, especially amid rising global displacement due to conflicts in Ukraine and Afghanistan, IRLC has adapted its programs to meet emerging needs. In 2022 alone, it served more than 325 clients and opened 176 new cases—a 20% increase from the previous year. Noteworthy initiatives included attorney-assisted asylum clinics for families evacuated from Afghanistan and various local outreach efforts aimed at educating the community on immigrant rights.

With a keen focus on the vulnerability of women and youth, particularly in light of trafficking and abuse, the center implements innovative programs such as a holistic approach for non-citizen youth involving multiple stakeholders in their care. The collaborative efforts with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine further enhance the support offered, providing invaluable medical evaluations for clients.

IRLC's relevant programming and dedicated service delivery model not only stabilizes immigrant and refugee families but also strengthens the wider community fabric, fostering a culture of inclusion and support. Through its ongoing efforts, IRLC continues to advocate for those often marginalized within the legal system, ensuring they have access to the tools needed for a successful transition and future in the United States.