Media Contact
Erin Barnaby
media@caircoalition.org

BALTIMORE, M.D. – Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is the proud recipient of the 2024 Maryland Pro Bono Service Award from the Pro Bono Resource Center (PBRC) of Maryland, in partnership with the Maryland State Bar Association (MSBA).

Michael Lukens, Executive Director at CAIR Coalition, said, “We believe everyone has the right to live in safety, with freedom and opportunity, and the law can be a tool to protect that right. Whether we’re working with someone who has lived in Maryland for decades and built a life here or someone who has just arrived, CAIR Coalition stands with our clients to help them achieve their goals. We’re proud to be recognized by the Pro Bono Resource Center for our unwavering commitment to building a just and humane immigration system, especially when immigrants’ rights continue to be threatened.”

This award honors organizations making exemplary commitments to those in need. The Honorable Matthew J. Fader, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland, will present the award to CAIR Coalition at the MSBA’s Legal Summit and Annual Meeting on June 7 in Ocean City, Maryland.

As the only nonprofit in the Capital region dedicated to providing free legal services to immigrant children and adults who are detained and at risk of deportation, CAIR Coalition collaborates with more than 70 law firms, corporate legal departments, and law school clinics to free their clients and protect their futures in the United States. Since its founding in 1999, `CAIR Coalition has grown from a staff of nine to over 100 and has reached more than 50,000 people seeking to make the United States their home. CAIR Coalition has also expanded its reach, from representing people in local immigration court and the Board of Immigration Appeals to now setting precedent in cases in the 3rd, 4th, and 11th U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal.

CAIR Coalition’s selection for the Pro Bono Service Award comes at an important time for celebration and change. After 25 years of client-centered advocacy, CAIR Coalition is adopting a new name and brand to reflect its values, mission, and geographic footprint. On June 10, CAIR Coalition will officially be known as the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights.

“‘Amica’ is the Latin word for ‘friend,’” said Chief Executive Officer, Kathy Doan, “And that is how we approach our work each day. Just as friends stand with one another, Amica Center stands with our clients to achieve the safety, stability, and opportunity we all deserve.”

On September 26th, the Amica Center is celebrating 25 Years of Defending One Another at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Stay tuned for more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities coming soon.

CAIR Coalition Board Member, Karen T. Grisez, Esq. of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP nominated CAIR Coalition for this prestigious award. Previous award recipients include Kids in Need of Defense, Child Justice, and the Latino Legal Access Program. Read more here.