Working with an Expert Witness: A Primer for Immigration Attorneys

The number of southwest border-origin asylum cases in US immigration courts was just under 7,000 in 2011. In 2012, that number doubled to 13,800, and almost tripled in 2013 to over 36,000. As cartel and drug-fueled violence spreads across Mexico, more and more Mexican nationals are requesting asylum at our ports of entry or when placed into removal proceedings. The vast majority fear for their lives if deported, either due to already being a cartel target, or because their hometowns have been overrun with violent drug traffickers.

Sadly the vast majority of these applicants' requests to stay in the United States are denied by immigration judges. Immigration law, and specifically asylum provisions, have not left the Cold War era and fail to take into account the deteriorating security situation just south of the border. Many immigration judges are either hamstrung by politics or aren't familiar at all with the drug violence and extensive government and police corruption that plagues Mexico.

Because of the challenge posed by Mexican immigration cases, more and more immigration attorneys are seeking to hire expert witnesses to provide extensive context and a knowledgeable opinion in court about the threats to deportees. However, many immigration attorneys have never worked a case involving Mexico or the use of an expert witness.

This course is designed to help immigration attorneys make the most of an expert witness to help strengthen their asylum or removal cases. It will:

- Provide an overview of immigration cases today

- Help attorneys determine if they should hire an expert witness

- Explain the pros and cons of doing so

- Explain what the attorney and expert should expect from each other

- Identify what services the expert can and should provide

- Explain how to review an affidavit and properly prepare an expert witness for testimony

This course is ideal for practicing immigration attorneys and their staff, but can benefit law students and those interested in immigration court proceedings. It is a streaming video of a narrated Power Point slide presentation and personal lecture combination.