Abstract
The Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic of DePaul College of Law furthers Vincent de Paul’s mission of caring for poor persons. It extends the protection of the law to low-income immigrants and asylum seekers by giving them access to legal advice that they so often lack. Background on US immigration law and its punitive effects on the poor is provided. Catholic social teaching with regard to immigration is summarized. Vincent de Paul was a migrant himself, and his approach to missions and other works indicates his special concern for foreigners. An important comparison is made between Vincent’s extension of access to salvation to the poor through missions and the extension of the poor’s access to the law through this clinic. The clinic’s partnership with community-based organizations allows them to share their experience and allows the clinic to assist them with critical university resources. Students who participate reflect deeply on their role as lawyers and learn how to respect the dignity of persons who are poor.
Recommended Citation
Albiol, Sioban J.D.
(2010)
"Meeting Saint Vincent's Challenge in Providing Assistance to the Foreign-Born Poor: Applying the Lessons to the Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic,"
Vincentian Heritage Journal: Vol. 28:
Iss.
2, Article 20.
Available at:
https://via.library.depaul.edu/vhj/vol28/iss2/20