Law Review Symposium: Actionable Immigration Advocacy: Advancing Justice Beyond Detention

The phrase “Justice for All” dates to the founding of our country as a foundational principle of American law. But it has become increasingly clear that many groups of people are often left out of the “All” category, and the phrase “Justice for All” is often a fiction. The legal system regularly excludes people for reasons that have nothing to do with the merits of their case, and legal actors regularly work to uphold these exclusions rather than committing to expand access. A person’s race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, citizenship, ability, age, and/or socioeconomic status are just a few of the factors that lock them out of receiving equal treatment in our justice system. People in these groups have limited access to lawyers, legal services, and legal education, which undermines the principle of justice that is the essence of the U.S. Constitution. 

The Roger William Law Review’s newest journal, Justice for All, proudly presents a symposium focusing on educating Rhode Island’s legal community on the rapidly changing area of immigration defense. Speakers will discuss the current legal landscape concerning new laws and policies governing detention, and their experiences navigating the extreme changes to the due process doctrine. A clinic will be hosted in which practicing immigration attorneys will provide best approaches to advocating in this ever-changing environment, and speakers will discuss advocating for clients who face collateral consequences resulting from immigration enforcement’s long arm.

Register - November 6 - Law Review Symposium

Schedule-at-a-Glance
8:30 a.m.            
Registration

9:00 - 9:15 a.m.  
Introduction to the Symposium

9:15 - 10:30 a.m. 

Panel 1: Changes in Detention: Novel Arguments for Novel Challenges
The use of detention in immigration proceedings has dramatically transformed over the last two years. This panel will describe the current state of affairs in immigration proceedings. Combining theory with practice, this panel will provide insight into novel arguments being made by academics and practitioners aimed to ensuring rights to those facing removal from the United States.

10:45 - 12:00 p.m.             
Removal Proceedings: A Practical Guide
Professor Gonzalez will provide a practical clinic, explaining the processes and mechanics of removal proceedings. This will provide needed context for the Symposium’s discussions, and will be grounded in clients’ lived experiences.

12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
Panel 2: Collateral Consequences in Private Practice
This panel will discuss the changes to private practice, and the increased need to focus on the consequences of immigration proceedings in the other areas of a client's life. This panel will further speak to the dramatic increase in need for representation.

1:15 - 2:15 p.m.              
Panel 3: Representation Matters: Counsel and Access to Justice in Immigration Proceedings
This panel will focus on legislative efforts in New England, coupled with the work of public interest organizations, aimed to guarantee access to justice and the right to counsel in removal proceedings. This panel will address the role local and state governments can play in responding to the absence of federal protection of civil rights in immigration proceedings.

2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Panel 4: Immigration Enforcement and the Courts
This panel will examine how increased immigration enforcement has affected litigation across a broadband of legal fields. This discussion will explore how immigration consequences and heightened enforcement activity have intersected with matters that are not traditionally viewed as immigration cases, influencing the experiences of both the litigant and the attorney. Drawing on their perspectives from the bench, panelists will discuss how increased enforcement can shape individuals’ access to and participation in the court system.

Registration
General Admission $50 per person
Non-Profit/Government $25 per person
RWU Law New Alumni (Classes of 2021-2026) $25 per person
Student $15 per person
RWU Law Student Complimentary

All registrations include lunch and Rhode Island MCLE credits as applicable.

Register - November 6 - Law Review Symposium

Rhode Island MCLE Credit
This program anticipates Rhode Island MCLE Credit approval.

RWU Law Campus Parking
All attendees should enter the Roger Williams University Campus through the North Entrance and park in Lot D. RWU Parking Map.

Special Accommodations
Persons who, because of a special need or condition, would like to request an accommodation for this event should contact the Office of Law Programs & Initiatives at lawevents@rwu.edu, as soon as possible, but no later than 72 business hours before the event, so that appropriate arrangements may be made. 

Cancellation & Refund Policy
Symposium cancellations received by Thursday, October 29, 2026 are eligible to receive a full refund less a $10 administrative fee. Cancellations received after the stated deadline will not be eligible for a refund. Cancellations are accepted via email at lawevents@rwu.edu.

Questions | Editor-in-Chief, Roger Williams University Law Review
Carter Hazzard | lawreview@g.rwu.edu