Description:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to explain the various aspects of immigration law. The emphasis in the course is on the functions of the paralegal in an immigration law practice and on the preparation of related documents. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Explain the basic concepts of immigration law.
2. List the various types of non-immigrants.
3. Identify relative-based and employment-based employment.
4. Identify other types of legal permanent residents.
5. Explain the various benefits, obligations and requirements of American citizenship.
6. Identify the various grounds for inadmissibility and removal.
7. Explain the legal procedures for refugee status and asylum.
8. Identify the legal ethics applicable to the practice of immigration law.
9. Draft forms used in a practice of immigration law.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Overview of Immigration Law
   A. Explain the fundamental aspects of immigration law and policy.
   B. Explain how the American system of government determines immigration
law and policy.
   C. List  the functions of Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
   D. Identify sources of immigration law and forms.

II. Basics of Non-Immigrant Status
   A. Define nonimmigrant status.
   B. Explain the qualifying process for various types of nonimmigrant
status.
   C. Identify persons qualifying for academic student visas.
   D. Prepare application forms for nonimmigrant status.

III. Immigrants: Relative-Based
   A. Explain legal permanent resident (LPR) status.
   B. Identify the various types of relatives necessary for obtaining LPR
status.
   C. Explain preferences requirements.
   D. Explain the term “priority date” and its application to
preferences.
   E. Discuss the Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act of 2000 (LIFE).

IV. Immigrants: Employment-Based
   A. Explain the function of the U.S. Department of Labor in obtaining
LPR status
   B. List the factors related to position qualification.
   C. Explain the five types of employment preferences.
   D. Explain the impact of illegal alien employees.

V. Other Types of LPR Status
   A. Explain the concept of diversity immigrants.
   B. Explain obtaining LPR status through registry.
   C. Explain use of amnesty before and after 9/11 in obtaining LPR
status.
   D. Explain the use of asylum in obtaining LPR status.
   E. Differentiate between the different types of adjustments of status.

VI.  American Citizenship
   A.  Identify the various benefits and obligations of citizenship.
   B. Differentiate between natural-born citizens and naturalization.
   C. Explain loss of citizenship through denaturalization and
expatriation.

VII. Inadmissibility and Removal
   A. Define the term inadmissibility.
   B. Explain the various grounds for inadmissibility.
   C. Define the term removal.
   D. Explain the various procedures related to removal.

VIII. Refugees and Asylum
   A. Define the term refugee.
   B. Discuss the various types of persons eligible for refugee status.
   C. Explain the concept of asylum and the procedures required for
obtaining it.
   D. Explain the basis for determining fraud and frivolous claims.
   E. Discuss the adjustment of status for refugees and asylees.

IX. Legal Ethics in the Practice of Immigration Law
   A. Identify applicable legal ethics, including the unauthorized
practice of law.
   B. Discuss methods to avoid immigration fraud.
   C. Discuss the benefits of foreign language skills.
   D. Identify legal and non-legal resources.

X. Immigration Law Practice and Procedures
   A. Explain the methods in which clients obtain citizenship.
   B. Identify appropriate immigration law forms for the client’s
situation.
   C. Explain to the client the need for necessary forms
   D. List basic principles for the practice of immigration law.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

A minimum of three examinations			60% of grade
A minimum of five applications and assignments	40% of grade
	                                       100%

Grade Criteria:

	A = 90-100%
        B = 80-89%
	C = 70-79%
        D = 60-69%
        F = Below 60%

Caveats:

1. Computer Literacy Expectations: Students will need basic word processing and Internet skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.