Immigration Law and Border Enforcement Program
The Global Initiatives & Multicultural Affairs Office is delighted to announce the 2nd Annual Immigration Law and Border Enforcement Program. This is a rather new internationally minded intensive program co-sponsored by Hofstra Law School and the National Center for Border Security & Immigration, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence. The program will be taught on campus at the University of Texas, El Paso and students will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn.
An information session to meet the faculty and former students of the program will be held on campus at Hofstra Law School on October 17 from 5 to 6 p.m. Information will be distributed by email to students with the location.
About the Program:
A first of its kind opportunity, this program gives students of varying understanding levels the chance to see immigration law and border enforcement at work. Students arrive in El Paso on Sunday, May 20 and depart on Sunday, May 27. The program includes lectures, practical training, court visits, and a special border tour. Students will be required to attend 6 hours of lecture in advance of participating in the program. The advanced lectures will be held in early April and webcast so non-Hofstra students can participate in the program. The 2012 draft schedule is below.
- Sunday, May 20:
- Check In and Arrival
- Monday, May 21:
- 9 to 3 p.m. - Border Security Tour with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- 7 to 9 p.m. - Welcome Reception & Lecture
- Tuesday, May 22:
- 8 to 1 p.m. - Class Component
- 1 to 5 p.m. - Field Component - Federal Court Visit & Talk with Judge
- Wednesday, May 23:
- 8 to 1 p.m. - Class Component
- 1 to 5 p.m. - Field Component - Detention Facilities & Immigration Court Observations
- Thursday, May 24:
- 9 to 4 p.m. - Immigration Law Training Led by Faculty & Guest Speakers
- 7 to 10 p.m. - Dinner at Cattleman’s Steakhouse
- Friday, May 25:
- 8 to 1 p.m. - Class Component
- 1 to 4 p.m. - Field Component - TBD
- Saturday, May 26:
- 8 to 10 a.m. - Final Exam (Professor might not test by examination, time reserved just in case)
- 2 to 4 p.m. - Visit to the U.S. Border Patrol Museum
- Sunday, May 27:
- Check Out and Departure
About El Paso:
El Paso stands on the Rio Grande, across the border from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. The two cities form a combined international metropolitan area, sometimes called Juarez-El Paso. Together they have a combined population of 2 million, with Juárez accounting for 2/3 of the population. In 2010, El Paso was awarded an All-America City Award and has been recognized as the safest large city in the U.S. Considering the demographic dynamic of the region and the challenges to immigration law enforcement, El Paso is an ideal location for the onsite study of border security.
Course Offering:
Immigration Enforcement at the Border (3 credits)
Taught by Professor Rose Cuison Villazor.
This course analyzes the ways in which federal immigration officers enforce immigration laws at the border and the various legal, political, human and moral issues that they raise. The course examines, among other areas, the relevant provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act; The Secure Fence Act of 2006; federal programs and policies such as Secure Border Initiative, Operation Streamline and Operation Stonegarden; Fourth Amendment search and seizure cases; and cases and controversies regarding the increasing movement of the borders inward. Through the study of these laws and relevant cases, the course considers how enforcement of immigration law at the border have led to significant tensions between immigration officers' authority to guard the border on sovereignty and security grounds and the rights of individuals to, among other things, privacy and equal protection under the law.
Cost to Attend:
The program cost is $3400, which includes tuition & fees for 3 credits, accommodations for 7 nights, opening reception, guest lectures, social dinner, and a special border security training and tour with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The total cost of the program is substantially less than the per credit rate offered for on campus programs in the hopes that students will seriously consider the professional and educational value of the opportunity.
Externship Offerings:
For the May 2012 program, Hofstra Law School has secured a number of externships in El Paso, Texas for students interested in immigration law practice. The externships range from opportunities with attorneys and not for profit organizations to Judges and the U.S. government. An application for the 3 credit externship program that begins immediately after this course will be available in early fall 2011. If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please feel free to email Jeffrey.Dodge@hofstra.edu.
Financial Aid:
If you require financial assistance to participate in the Immigration Law and Border Enforcement Program, please work with the Law School's Financial Aid Office after being accepted. The total budget for the program is below, which is the maximum amount allowable in financial aid.
Tuition: $2400 - paid to Hofstra Law
Program & Housing Fee: $1000 - paid to Hofstra Law
Transportation: $600 (flights from New York City are currently less than $400)
Living Expenses & Miscellaneous: $500
Total: $4500
To Apply:
Students need to apply by Friday, March 23, 2012. Upon submitting the application and deposit, students will receive an acceptance letter that permits them to move forward with the financial aid process. All current students are eligible to participate in this program. Because there are a limited number of spots in the program, applicants must include a statement of interest when submitting their application.
If you have any questions, please email Jeffrey.Dodge@hofstra.edu Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to explore immigration law and border security with Department of Homeland Security officials in the field!