Legal Protection for Vulnerable Communities

Eshhad provides legal services and advocacy for individuals facing persecution because of their religion, ethnicity, or culture. We combine regional expertise, country conditions research, and strategic legal advocacy to help protect vulnerable communities.

Who We Serve

We serve clients who meet both of the following criteria:

  • Country of origin: We primarily serve individuals whose cases involve persecution affecting religious, ethnic, or cultural minorities in regions where Eshhad maintains substantial country expertise

  • Income: Eshhad provides sliding-scale legal services to individuals and families of modest means, generally those with household incomes at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Individuals with household incomes at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible for pro bono services. Our program is designed to support those cannot afford private legal representation.

Direct Representation

Immigration Representation

We represent qualifying individuals in a range of humanitarian immigration matters, including:

  • Asylum and Withholding of Removal

  • Protection under the Convention Against Torture

  • Family-based immigration

  • Humanitarian parole

  • Temporary Protected Status

  • Motions to reopen based on changed country conditions

  • Appeals in appropriate cases]

Refugee Protection

We assist individuals seeking international protection by providing:

  • UNHCR refugee interview preparation

  • Assistance with refugee status review and reconsideration procedures, where available

  • Country conditions evidence

  • Referrals to trusted legal partners when possible

Country Conditions & Expert Support

We support attorneys and organizations through:

  • Expert affidavits and testimony

  • Country conditions research and reports

  • Case-specific research

  • Historical and regional analysis

  • Litigation support

  • Training and educational presentations

International Protection & Advocacy

Eshhad advances international protection and accountability through submissions to United Nations human rights mechanisms and other international protection processes.

  • Submissions to United Nations Special Rapporteurs

  • Contributions to Universal Periodic Review processes

  • Communications to relevant treaty bodies

  • Documentation supporting international accountability initiatives

  • Collaboration with civil society organizations pursuing international protection mechanisms

Request Assistance

If you or someone you know may qualify for Eshhad's legal services, please contact us at intake@eshhad.org. If you believe your case falls within Eshhad's mission, we encourage you to contact us for an initial consultation. Every request is reviewed individually to determine whether it falls within Eshhad's mission and current capacity.