JUSTICE, HOPE AND SAFETY (Winter 2021). The immigrant community in Massachusetts is vibrant, full of courageous individuals who have fled torture and abuse with the hope of a fresh start. However, navigating the complex immigration system often requires support and assistance, especially as immigration laws and policy changes have made it more difficult for asylum seekers to win their cases. For asylum seekers who face the risk of deportation, legal representation in their immigration case can mean the difference between a safe new home and a return to persecution. Study after study shows that asylum seekers are five times more likely to win their asylum case if they have an attorney. This is where the Political Asylum Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project makes a difference.

Founded in 1989, the PAIR Project is an award-winning, nationally recognized model of collaboration and legal excellence empowering the immigrant community in Massachusetts with access to justice, hope and safety. PAIR’s goal is to close the “justice gap” for immigrants across the state and serve clients like “Sara,” a transgender woman who fled El Salvador due to violence and threats solely because of her gender identity. With the help of PAIR, who matched her with a pro bono attorney at Ropes & Gray, Sara won her difficult asylum case before the Boston Asylum Office. Today, she is relieved to have found a safe haven in the U.S. and is rebuilding her life in Massachusetts.

PAIR enjoys the respect, locally and nationally, of the non-profit and legal services communities, as well as the law firm partners who provide pro bono services to represent PAIR clients. PAIR works hard to protect the due process rights of immigrants through our pro bono programs so that PAIR clients have access to legal counsel without charge. Since its inception, PAIR has provided direct legal services and consultations to more than 11,000 clients, representing hundreds of low-income and vulnerable asylum-seekers, victims of torture, unaccompanied minors, and detained immigrants in need of relief each year. PAIR accomplishes its mission through two programs, the Pro Bono Asylum Program and the Detention Program, with 17 staff members and a panel of over 1,400 volunteer attorneys that PAIR trains and closely mentors. PAIR’s asylum program has an unparalleled success rate of winning 95% of its asylum cases. PAIR’s ultimate measure of success is to provide high quality legal representation, immigration relief, and a safe haven to immigrants like Sara who turn to PAIR for help.

In the image, PAIR asylee client is reunited with her two children after a four-year separation.

Clowes Fund Field(s) of Interest: Immigrant Services

Grantees