La Casa hires immigration lawyer but not because of Trump's deportations pledge
La Casa hires immigration lawyer but not because of Trump's deportations pledge
SOUTH BEND — La Casa de Amistad has hired local attorney Sean O'Brien to serve in a new role as director of immigration legal services, but as he started work Monday, Jan. 20, the timing was mere coincidence.
It was inauguration day for President Donald Trump, who has pledged to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. But La Casa's executive director, Juan Constantino, said the new role wasn't in response to that or anything in particular.
Sure, he said, O'Brien would help if there are any deportations locally, though it remains uncertain where or even if those would happen.
With O'Brien's help, he said, the nonprofit center at 3423 S Michigan St. will be able to expand the numbers and kinds of legal cases that the nonprofit can pursue. Until now, the center has helped clients with limited legal immigration matters through staff who aren't attorneys but who are accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Unlike them, O'Brien will be able to defend clients in immigration court.
Recently, Constantino said La Casa has been busy easing worries about deportation in the community while also being prepared if it needs to respond.
He said La Casa has emphasized that immigrants seek reputable sources of information from agencies like La Casa or an actual attorney. He warns against people who lack legal background, often calling themselves 'notarios,' who falsely promise they can write documents or provide legal help.
As the IndyStar has reported, individuals or migrants looking for information and resources in Indiana, can also visit the Immigrant Welcome Center website at immigrantwelcomecenter.org. The center provides educational, legal, language and community resources.
March 2024: La Casa de Amistad receives competitive $2 million grant from Amazon co-founder
As staff attorney, O'Brien will fill a gap left by the late Barbara Szweda, an attorney and University of Notre Dame law professor who helped La Casa clients with immigration cases on a pro bono basis. Szweda died in February 2023. Constantino said La Casa secured funding for the position from an anonymous donor later that year, then began searching for candidates in 2024.
Proficient in Spanish and French, La Casa reported that O'Brien has been working in immigration law, human rights advocacy and legal education for more than 20 years. He earned his undergrad and law degrees from Notre Dame and for nearly 15 years worked in its law school, where he directed its human rights programs. He also specialized in asylum and defense from removals while at a local law office. And he's helped at La Casa over the years, too.
A Democrat, O'Brien is elected as the Clay Township trustee.
South Bend Tribune reporter Joseph Dits can be reached at 574-235-6158 or jdits@sbtinfo.com.
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