Accordion: Immigration Clinic Awards and Honors

(From left to right) Tarsa Hatefi, Janice Salas, Sameen Ahmadnia, recipient of the Manuel and Ana Maria Benítez Award, and Professor Benítez

The Immigration Clinic is highly respected by the Office of the Immigration Judge and the various other federal immigration agencies, and for good reason. Clinic students win their cases. The clinic’s record is particularly enviable because aliens typically come here after being rejected by other lawyers or organizations. The clinic’s specialty is the “tough” case that requires novel and creative lawyering. Clinic students have won cases involving hot-button issues like female genital mutilation, sexual orientation, torture, and HIV-status. Clinic students have also obtained freedom from detention for aliens. Winning for clients is the clinic’s greatest recognition.

In addition to holding a record of excellence, the clinic was honored to receive the 2000 Human Rights Award from the American Immigration Lawyers Association(AILA). GW Law was the first, and so far only, law school clinical program to receive this or any AILA award.

In 2005, the clinic was also privileged to receive the Johnson Award from the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia for exhibiting "unwavering commitment and achievement in public service and dedication to the principles of equality, cultural respect, and social justice."

Most recently, the Immigration Clinic was ranked #11 in Law Street's 2016 Top Schools for Immigration Law Programs.

Manuel and Ana Maria Benítez Award

The Manuel and Ana Maria Benítez Award for Clinical Excellence in Immigration Law is given to a member of the graduating Juris Doctor class who has demonstrated extraordinary ability in his or her work in the Immigration Clinic, and who possesses the personal qualities of Manuel and Ana Maria Benítez - both immigrants to the United States from Mexico - including initiative, creativity, zeal, loyalty, and integrity.

Previous Award Winners:

2016: Sameen Ahmadnia
2015: Paulina Vera
2014: Carly Sessions
2013: Emma Brown
2012: Naushad Reza
2011: Ioulia Maslikova
2010: Amisha Patel
2009: Alicía Gonzalez
2008: Shelley Sackel
2007: Jordi De Llano
2006: Betina Calderón
2005: Manuela Hernandez