About Immigration Law
The rapidly changing field of U.S. immigration law concerns issues related to both immigration (entering the country) and naturalization (establishing citizenship). Immigration law is a practice controlled exclusively by the federal government in a variety of bureaus overseen by the Department of Homeland Security. Hearings related to immigration can take place in a special administrative court system or in federal court.
Immigration lawyers work in a variety of settings. Larger law firms employ immigration attorneys who assist corporations in securing work visas for foreign workers. These practitioners spend much of their time dealing with the human resources departments of such corporations. Those who work in smaller firms or for public interest groups may focus more on personal or family immigration cases. These cases may involve undocumented alien residents and require practitioners to pursue remedies to help their clients avoid deportation. A number of immigration practitioners also work for the federal government, handling prosecutorial or administrative work for the USCIS.
The Law School offers a basic survey course in immigration each year. Students interested in pursuing a career in immigration should also take a course in Administrative Law. Students should also consider enrolling in foreign language classes offered elsewhere at the University, and may apply six of those credits towards their law degree.
Courses
Note: Whether a particular course is scheduled depends on faculty availability and student demand. View the Course Descriptions for more information about each course and when it's offered.
Core/Foundation Courses
These are the core courses that — at a minimum — employers expect a student interested in this specialty to have.
Recommended Courses
Students interested in this practice area should consider including one or more of the following courses as electives.
Clinical Programs, Internships & Externships
Immigrant Justice Center
The Immigrant Justice Center represents clients in immigration proceedings before the Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Center also represents clients in state courts related to their immigration status. The Center's primary focus is to help individuals facing immigration consequences as a result of criminal charges. However, we also assist in a wide range of other cases, e.g., representing individuals fleeing persecution and seeking asylum and individuals who have been the victims of domestic violence or other crimes. IJC students also conduct presentations in the community to educate non-citizens about their rights and to raise awareness about the challenges faced by immigrants. Students regularly visit immigration detainees in jail to provide "know your rights" information and to conduct case intakes. Students develop core lawyering skills, such as interviewing, counseling, fact-investigation, legal research and brief-writing, and trial advocacy. Students also have the opportunity to present a case in immigration court. Students develop public-speaking and community-relations skills through outreach and education projects. The Center encourages students to engage in a reflective practice that examines broader issues of human migration, social justice and human rights, and the role of lawyers and the legal system.
Legal Assistance to Incarcerated People (LAIP) Clinic
The Legal Assistance to Incarcerated People (LAIP) clinic has worked to fulfill the needs of underserved prison inmates for over four decades. Students learn about, and reflect on, the profound human consequences of an individual's involvement in the criminal system. Clinic students assist with real legal work. Already in the first week, they may meet clients and conduct client interviews. With the variety of issues inmates face, students work on a variety of legal issues, both criminal and civil. They are advocates for their clients and work to ensure that clients receive justice within the system. Students hone their communication skills: they draft motions and parole letters and advocate orally by representing clients at hearings. Students work closely with courts, opposing attorneys, criminal justice agencies, and prison personnel.
Learn about the Legal Assistance to Incarcerated People Clinic »
Student Organizations & Related Activities
Students involved in student activities and organizations are often strong job candidates. Employers look for students who show leadership, public service, and community involvement.
- American Constitution Society
- National Lawyers Guild
- Advocates for Immigrants Rights (AIR)
- Wisconsin International Law Journal
For a full list of student organizations at UW Law, view the Student Organizations, Journals, & Activities.
Faculty
Here are some of the full-time faculty who teach or have an interest in this subject area:
In addition to our full-time faculty, the Law School's adjunct faculty members — prominent practicing lawyers and judges — bring their specialized knowledge and experience to the classroom. Filter by "Adjunct" in the Law School Directory for a full list.
