We are thrilled to celebrate an important milestone for Lutheran Community Services NW: Safe Route Immigration staffer Jessica Jennings has been approved for Full Accreditation through the Department of Justice’s Recognition and Accreditation Program.
Jessica is the first LCSNW staff person to receive DOJ Full Accreditation, an achievement that reflects a remarkable level of dedication, training, and commitment to serving immigrant communities. Over the past year, Jessica has studied, completed formal immigration law training, and prepared extensively to support individuals navigating complex immigration court cases.
DOJ accreditation is especially meaningful because it allows qualified non-attorney staff to legally represent clients on immigration matters. To make this possible, an organization must first be recognized by the Executive Office for Immigration Review and demonstrate, among other requirements, that it is a nonprofit organization providing legal services primarily to low-income and indigent clients.
The accreditation process requires the representative to meet high standards for character, fitness, professional conduct, and immigration law knowledge. Full Accreditation authorizes Jessica to represent clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and before immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
This accomplishment comes at a critical time. As immigrant families and individuals face increasingly difficult and uncertain circumstances, Jessica’s accreditation expands the capacity of LCSNW to provide skilled, compassionate, and trusted legal support in Salem and surrounding areas where these services have been missing for many years.
“We are extremely proud of Jessica and her full accreditation,” said Alma Jean, Safe Route Program Director. “It took great effort and courage, especially during this period when it is difficult to protect clients in immigration court. Jessica has embraced the challenge.”
Jessica’s Full Accreditation will help provide more complex legal services to immigrants and refugees, strengthening LCSNW’s ability to offer knowledgeable advocacy to clients when they need it most.
