vulnerable communities

Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

On February 5th, a new immigration law information center opened its doors in the Parc-Extension neighborhood, offering a beacon of hope to individuals struggling with immigration-related uncertainties. Managed by law students under the guidance of specialized lawyers, the center aims to provide clear and accessible information about immigration laws and available legal recourses.
This initiative, supported by the Faculty of Law at the Université de Montréal, the Vice-Rectorate for Community and International Partnerships, and the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers (AQAADI), operates two evenings per week. The project is designed to meet the needs of the local community, offering information services rather than legal advice.
Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Individuals
The information center is specifically targeted at those in precarious immigration situations, such as asylum seekers awaiting decisions, individuals without legal status, and those awaiting permanent residency on humanitarian grounds. Facing complex legal processes and limited access to resources, these individuals can now turn to the center for vital information about their rights and possible actions.
“This service is the result of an exceptional collaboration grounded in a shared commitment to providing accessible services tailored to the needs of the Parc-Extension community,” said Geneviève Saumier, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Université de Montréal. She emphasized that the center’s mission aligns with the university’s values of community service and civic engagement.
The service provided at the center is not legal advice but rather legal information—clarifying the state of immigration law and the options available. This distinction ensures that individuals are empowered with knowledge while maintaining the integrity of the service.
Filling a Critical Information Gap
The initiative was born out of a recognized lack of immigration law information in the area. “Our close collaboration with community actors allowed us to identify a significant information gap regarding immigration law in Parc-Extension,” stated Valérie Amiraux, Vice-Rector for Community and International Partnerships at Université de Montréal. “The involvement of the Faculty of Law demonstrates the power of university-community partnerships.”
A Passionate Team of Volunteers
The center is staffed by second- and third-year law students who volunteer their time and are supervised by five immigration lawyers, most of whom are Université de Montréal alumni and members of the Quebec Bar. The lawyers responded to a call from AQAADI in early January, enabling the center to launch its services in record time.
The student volunteers underwent specialized workshops outside of their regular curriculum, including ethics and professional conduct training, an immigration law refresher, and interview techniques. They are the first point of contact for visitors, providing essential information and guidance.

“They are dedicated, passionate, and eager to help,” said Aminata Bal, Assistant to the Dean of the Faculty of Law. “Many of them already had some experience in immigration law through other channels.”
To ensure accuracy and clarity, every consultation is followed by a summary prepared by the students and reviewed by a supervising lawyer. This approach allows clients to leave with a clear and well-structured understanding of their situation.
Starting in March, the center will also offer translation services in Punjabi, provided by students from the Faculty of Law, to further break down language barriers.
A Model for Broader Adoption
The choice of Parc-Extension for this pilot project was influenced by its proximity to the Université de Montréal’s MIL campus and the significant local demand for legal information. However, there are hopes to replicate this model in other neighborhoods facing similar challenges. “We are committed to responding effectively and appropriately to the realities on the ground,” emphasized Aminata Bal.
The Faculty of Law has a long history of community service, with a legal clinic in operation for over half a century. “We are pioneers in this field, offering legal advice and organizing community internships and a pro bono committee with over 150 students involved in various organizations,” explained Aminata Bal. “We want to continue in this direction to make justice more accessible. It can only benefit society as a whole.”
This new information center stands as a promising model of how academic institutions can leverage their expertise to address urgent community needs, bridging the gap between legal knowledge and the people who need it most.