Asylum Sessions
U.S. Asylum Process and Current Challenges
During this session, participants will learn about the life-saving asylum program. We will discuss the eligibility criteria required for seeking asylum and current challenges of the asylum process in the United States. In addition, we will touch on recent policies impacting asylum seekers.
Following this session, participants will:
Understand the process individuals go through in pursuing an asylum claim in the U.S.
Understand eligibility criteria for seeking asylum.
Presenters
David Claros, Managing Attorney, Church World Service
David Claros is a Florida practicing attorney with a JD from Florida A&M College of Law and an LLM in International Law from the University of Nottingham. David is the managing attorney for the CWS South Florida legal department which provides legal immigration representation and counseling to the south Florida immigrant community in a low cost or pro bono basis.
Bethany Showalter, Acting Director, Asylum and Border Services, Church World Service
Bethany Showalter currently serves as the Acting Director for Asylum and Border Services with CWS and has been with the unit for the past three years. Previously, she held various roles at two CWS affiliate refugee resettlement offices for ten years, supporting case management, mental wellness, and employment programs. Before joining CWS affiliate offices, Bethany worked in an outpatient mental health facility where she worked in family visitation and reunification, providing wraparound supportive services for children and their families. She graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Watch Session
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