- BYU will launch an immigration law course for nonlawyers this fall.
- The course, developed in partnership with the 'No Mas' foundation, offers practical tools for navigating immigration law.
- It also provides initial steps in becoming a partially accredited representative through the Department of Justice.
SALT LAKE CITY — Immigration law is complex and confounding — an ever-shifting labyrinth of rules, regulations and bureaucracy.
It's also emotionally charged.
Lives across the United States are being forever impacted by how American immigration law is being interpreted, enforced and adjudicated. And it's all happening at a time when trained immigration lawyers are in short supply.
In an effort to empower more people with practical understandings of immigration law, Brigham Young University's Office of Belonging and BYU Continuing Education are launching a Fundamentals of Immigration Law course.
The online course — which will be available soon — is designed to equip participants with knowledge and experiences in immigration law, while providing initial steps in becoming a partially accredited representative through the Department of Justice, according to the BYU Office of Belonging site.
The course was developed in collaboration with the No More A Stranger Foundation — or "No Mas" — a Utah-based organization of attorneys and volunteers advocating on behalf of and together with individuals from immigrant, migrant and refugee backgrounds.
The eight-week course covers the basics of immigration law through a series of modules that participants can work through at their own pace.
By the end of the BYU course, participants will have a basic understanding of immigration/citizenship law and visas — and the skills to be able to work with clients, prepare applications and petitions.
Once successfully completed, course participants are on their way to becoming accredited by the Department of Justice to represent individuals in the immigration process with an approved nonprofit.
"Throughout this course, we will explore legal principles and frameworks that impact individuals, families and communities, enabling us to follow the example of the Savior, Jesus Christ, in serving others," according to the BYU Office of Belonging course overview video.
"We will also demonstrate how this course aligns with BYU's Office of Belonging — emphasizing a commitment to extending Christ-like service and ensuring ethical, compassionate, legal immigration services."
Serving immigrants with 'confidence and compassion'
At a gathering Thursday announcing the new course, BYU Associate Dean of Continuing Education Carolyn Andrews noted the three-year collaboration with "No Mas" and fellow BYU organizations to develop the immigration law course.
"This project has been a personal passion of mine," said Andrews, a native Canadian who navigated the immigration process several decades ago.
"My journey was long, complicated and at times incredibly frustrating," she said. "That experience gave me deep empathy for others who walk that path today."
Jeremiah Baker, the lead designer of BYU's Fundamentals of Immigration Law course, said Thursday that the new online course "equips learners with practical tools so they can offer real help to those who are navigating the complexities of immigration law."
Baker saluted the collaborative efforts of Katie Rane of "No Mas" and BYU's Scott Goodwin to help develop the new course.
"No Mas" is marking its fifth anniversary.
"The Fundamentals of Immigration Law is an eight-week course that covers the foundation of immigration law in the United States," said Baker. "It provides structured, practical training for those seeking to assist in immigration services — whether through nonprofit organizations like 'No Mas,' law firms or community outreach efforts."
The course, he added, "prepares students to support clients in nonprofit and accredited legal settings by combining legal knowledge and ethical practice.
"This course lays the groundwork for anyone seeking to serve with both confidence and compassion."
Throughout the course, students engage with simulated real-life scenarios where they listen to client stories and decide what steps to take next. They also become familiar with key government agencies such as the Citizenship and Immigration Services.
"Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this meaningful collaboration between 'No Mas' and BYU's Office of Belonging," said Baker.
"It's been an honor to help create these courses which are designed with both compassion and purpose to serve those in need and to prepare volunteers to be grateful to contribute to a mission that uplifts, empowers and reflects the divine worth of every individual."
Law professor Carl Hernandez, the co-founder of "No Mas" legal services and the vice president of BYU's Office of Belonging, marveled at the compassion and capacity of those who developed the newly unveiled course.
Such efforts, he added, "recognize and value the secular approach to helping individuals through the practice of law.
"But they also incorporate the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ — in particular the importance of our common primary identity as children of God. And second, the importance of belonging and having a sense of belonging in your community."
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