Immigration - The Border Project
Our work in Laredo has changed over the years to adapt to developments at the border. During family separation, our lawyers were some of the first to identify mothers who had been separated from their children; they were also among the first to provide legal assistance facilitating family reunification. After the implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols ("MPP"; more commonly referred to as "Remain in Mexico"), we represented more than 140 asylum seekers as they pursued relief in makeshift tent courts along the border. And when the end of Title 42 resulted in an increased number of migrants held in detention facilities, we resumed weekly Know-Your-Rights presentations and individual consultations for detainees. As the legal environment for migrants continues to evolve today, Jones Day remains in Laredo providing Know-Your-Rights presentations to detained migrants every week, undertaking representation of migrants for merits hearings in detention and assisting eligible migrants with bond applications.
The work of the Border Project expands beyond Laredo. Through the project, we have represented hundreds of unaccompanied minors and represented hundreds of migrants in their asylum merits hearings in courts across the country. We have also undertaken targeted projects across the United States that assist families in preliminary fear proceedings and help migrants complete their asylum applications.
Jones Day's commitment to this work embodies our One Firm Worldwide® ethos. Lawyers from all practices and every U.S. office – as well as several offices outside the United States, including Mexico City – have volunteered with the Border Project. More than 2,500 Jones Day lawyers and staff have dedicated over 600,000 pro bono hours to this work. We have also welcomed the assistance of in-house counsel from some of the Firm's corporate clients, including dozens who have volunteered in our Laredo office.