LEGAL SERVICES
NESTT partners with The South Royalton Legal Clinic (SRLC), which is a part of the Vermont Law School. SRLC provides expert legal services for survivors of torture, representing individuals in their applications for asylum, as well as filing applications for family reunification, employment authorization, adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence, and citizenship. SRLC also consults with individuals and other service providers about an array of legal issues pertaining to immigrants and refugees. While it is commonly estimated that between 5% and 35% of refugees and asylees are survivors of torture, close to 70% of SRLC asylum cases are brought by survivors of torture.
Direct legal services include assistance with asylum cases, family reunification petitions, adjustment of status petitions, work authorization petitions, and other legal consultation. During the asylum process, clients receive direct legal representation as well as asylum case preparation and management. During family reunification, adjustment of status, and/or work authorization petitions, clients receive direct legal assistance including assistance in completing and filing the claims. Finally, NESTT attorneys consult with other NESTT providers regarding legal concerns such as criminal charges and federal benefits.
While NESTT's psychological domain meets the need for psychological evaluation and therapeutic support during this arduous process, SRLC simultaneously meets the legal needs of survivors.