Volunteer lawyer program steps in as many Sacramento immigrants face court without counsel

At the immigration court in Sacramento, Kamalpreet Chohan oversees a volunteer-lawyer network that steps in for immigrants who would otherwise appear without counsel. With 57 individuals scheduled for hearings and none represented, the effort highlights a broader trend: 52% of the estimated 3.2 million pending deportation cases lack an attorney, according to the Vera Institute of Justice. Studies show only 19% of unrepresented migrants secure asylum, versus 47% when represented.

Chohan’s team not only supplies vetted pro-bono lawyers but also helps clients avoid scams, complete detailed asylum applications, and meet filing deadlines. Judges such as Susan Phan introduce the service in court, noting its rarity. The program operates amid a backdrop of stricter immigration enforcement and “mega master” hearings that have strained the system.