Fear and uncertainty have become part of daily life for many immigrants in Michiana, especially as federal immigration policies and enforcement efforts continue to shift.
Notre Dame Law School’s Immigration Clinic provides free legal services through law students who work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Clinic Director Ashley Sanchez said many clients arrive overwhelmed by complex laws and unsure where to turn.
“People are just very scared and confused, and they don’t know where to turn. They don’t know who to trust for advice,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said immigration rules are difficult to navigate without professional guidance, and mistakes can have serious consequences. That fear has contributed to a surge in requests for help.
The clinic reopened its intake process last fall but recently paused new cases after reaching capacity. Each case requires extensive time and training for students.
“Some cases require… like 40 or 50 hours of work… So like max we’re looking at maybe like 30 cases for a clinic,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez said some clients delay seeking help because they are afraid of making a mistake or drawing attention to themselves. Others arrive only after their legal options have narrowed.
“By the time they come to us, sometimes they’re already in a really difficult situation,” she said.
Even while intake is closed, the clinic continues to assist immigrants through referrals, brief consultations and community outreach. Staff members encourage people facing urgent situations to seek legal advice as early as possible.
In full disclosure, the University of Notre Dame is a financial supporter of WVPE.
