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of the predominantly Muslim countries of Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, America’s source of inspiration, power and compassion.”
Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and a 120-day suspension of the U.S. refugee Law Center alumni who participated include: Sanajy Bapat ’14, Justen
program. The president said the order was necessary to prevent “radical Barks ’13, Megan Daic ’13, Veronica Cruz ’15, Laura De La Cruz ’15,
Islamic terrorists” from entering the country. Josh Hilbe ’14, Maha Khalil ’15, Katie Ray ’14, Adam Robertson ’14, Luiz
“We answered questions and assured families who were waiting for Ruiz ’14, and Alexandra Vickery ’13.
hours that relatives holding valid visas or green cards would be released
under a nationwide stay order issued by a federal judge in New York,” UHLC PARTICIPATES IN UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON’S
Hoffman explained. “We stood ready to file habeas corpus petitions in
the event family members were not released or detained.” “HERE, WE GO” CAMPAIGN
The volunteer attorneys also spoke with customs officials trying to The University of Houston Law Center played a supporting role as the
University of Houston unveiled its $1 billion capital campaign, “Here,
determine the status of travelers being detained or questioned. We Go: The Campaign for the University of Houston” on Jan. 18.
“Since there is no right to counsel generally at the border, attorneys were
not permitted to meet with their clients or review answers to questions Associate Dean for Student Affairs Sondra Tennessee spoke at “Launch
which may have been asked by immigration officials under the new Talks,” where representatives from all UH colleges, schools and units
travel ban program,” Hoffman said. “The frustration was palpable in the were represented in one-minute, rapid-fire presentations. Speakers at
fear, confusion and panic I saw in many of the family members.” the event each answered the question, “What does it mean to launch?”
with responses based on their respective disciplines.
Amid the confusion, strangers provided the volunteers with pizza, “Launch is to bring about positive change,” Tennessee said. “At the UH
Starbucks gift cards, and cases of bottled water. Law Center, students have an opportunity to work with real people
“There was a feeling of common purpose, doing good for total who have real problems. Whether it’s an immigrant seeking asylum, an
strangers, for people in need,” Hoffman said of the volunteer effort. “The inmate proclaiming innocence, or a parent seeking custody, our UH Law
experience reminded me to never forget the spirit of our great country, students are at the center of each solution.”
its people, its lawyers, and to remember the power of the immigrants,

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