UB Justice Clinic: Immigration Order 'Anything But Ordinary'

AMHERST, N.Y. -- Among the thousands of students who walk UB's campus, one would probably have a hard time finding someone affected by recent executive orders on immigration. What's easier is coming across people whose lives they've touched.

"I have a couple of friends from those countries. They stayed here, so they weren't exactly affected by the ban, but I am concerned about their restrictions to travel home," said freshman Sanchit Batra, who is from India.

He's not alone.

Nicole Hallett is the director of the school's Community Justice Clinic. It's not unusual for she and the law students she works with to handle cases dealing with issues like workers' rights, consumer justice and immigration.

"There is nothing ordinary about what has been happening during the past week," said Hallett, also an assistant clinical professor at the law school.

Hallett reached out to the school shortly after the president signed the order to offer the clinic's resources. She's since spoken to many students directly impacted by it and those concerned about an expansion to other countries.

The order was issued on Friday, and UB's semester began Monday. Hallett says that meant its impact wasn't as sever as it might've been since most affected students were already inside the country. But she says if the orders ar extended, the consequences could be major.

"Come spring break, come summer break, I think there are going to be a lot more students who are affected and who have to be making really hard decisions about whether they stay in the country...or whether they go home with the understanding that they won't be able to return," said Hallett.

The clinic hasn't taken on any cases yet, but Hallett says it can offer legal representation to students or faculty in need. She says she wants those from impacted countries to know her clinic and other resources in the larger community are available to help, and this is an issue they don't have to face alone.