UND law dean urges funding, continuity for proposed immigration law clinic

The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing Tuesday on House Bill 1600, which would establish an immigration law clinic at the University of North Dakota School of Law and provide a state appropriation.

Dean Brian Pappas of the UND School of Law testified in favor of the bill, telling the committee, “immigration matters and attorney fees for those often cost high dollar amounts, commonly in the range of 15 to $20,000,” and saying the clinic would expand the state’s capacity to handle immigration work while providing low‑cost representation for employers and employees.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Emily O’Brien of District 42, described the proposal as part of broader workforce development recommendations. O’Brien said the clinic would offer “free or low cost legal assistance” and…