Immigration Practice Clinic

About Us

Students in the Immigration Practice Clinic represent low-income immigrants from all over the world before the immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), state and federal courts in humanitarian-based immigration cases. Students take primary responsibility and decision-making authority for their cases, under the mentorship of the clinic’s director. Early classes provide knowledge of substantive immigration law, including the Immigration and Nationality Act, the applicable Code of Federal Regulations, immigration forms, applications, and internal policies. Students are expected to prepare for substantive immigration filings with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Department of Justice Immigration Courts.

What Students Can Expect

  • Conducting legal research and writing, as well as drafting and filing applications for immigration relief with USCIS, Immigration Court, and other relevant agencies.
  • Advocating for clients with local, state, federal, and foreign agencies.
  • Navigating work with individuals exposed to severe trauma, learning how to effectively interview and provide counseling.
  • Developing cultural awareness when working with clients from diverse backgrounds and strategizing to foster a strong client-attorney relationship.
  • Learning to efficiently and effectively collaborate with colleagues toward shared goals.
  • Partnering with local community organizations, agencies, and schools to gather evidence in support of clients' cases.
  • Understanding case management and the importance of thorough case planning.
  • Utilizing AI-powered tools for research and case development specifically tailored to immigration law.
Alvaro Manrique Barrenechea

Immigration Clinic Director

Alvaro A. Manrique Barrenechea LLM'19

Assistant Clinical Professor of Law

Alvaro Manrique Barrenechea earned his law degree from Universidad de Lima Law School (Peru) in 2013 and practiced International Commercial Arbitration. Upon relocating to the United States in 2015, he began his journey in the immigration law field as a volunteer with Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors, subsequently assuming various roles within the organization. He has been responsible for several projects, including TNJFON's Woodbine Immigration Intake Clinic, the Families Together educational series, and the Oye Vecino podcast. Most recently, he served as a Staff Attorney. In 2019, Alvaro obtained his Master of Law degree from Vanderbilt University Law School, where he was honored with the Carl J. Ruskowski Clinical Legal Education Award. Driven by his unwavering commitment to social justice, he has extended his legal advocacy efforts to underserved communities in locations such as San Ysidro, Mexico, and Ocilla, Georgia. Alvaro is admitted to the bar in Lima, New York, and Tennessee. He serves as a board member for the Nashville Public Library Foundation and Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors.

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FAQs

  • How do I obtain legal assistance?

    Vanderbilt Legal Clinic is a law office within Vanderbilt University Law School that provides free representation for a limited number of individuals and organizations that could not otherwise afford representation. Students enrolled in one of the legal clinic courses represent clients under the direct supervision of a law faculty member. The Immigration Practice Clinic provides representation to immigrants in humanitarian immigration cases which include: asylum; unaccompanied minors; victims of violence who may be eligible for a u-visa; and cancellation of removal. Intake for the Immigration Clinic is closed during the summer. Vanderbilt Legal Clinic does not respond to email requests for legal assistance. Please call 615-322-4964.

  • Where can I find a pro bono Immigration Attorney?*

    * The legal clinic and the law school does not have any affiliation with the aforementioned resources. They are provided for information purposes only.

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