Each day, people make the difficult choice to flee home in search of safety.
You can help asylum seekers rebuild their lives after violence and persecution.
Like refugees, asylum seekers flee to the United States in search of safety. Yet asylum seekers have access to few benefits and often lack English fluency, financial resources, and relationships. This makes them especially vulnerable to poverty, exploitation, or homelessness. In response, World Relief's Asylum Project helps these new neighbors gain stability.
Within the scope of the broader Asylum Project, the Asylum Legal Clinic plays a vital role by providing legal advice and representation so that asylum seekers may effectively make their case and rebuild their lives safely and legally. You can increase their access to legal assistance by supporting the clinic financially or giving your time as a legal intern or pro bono legal volunteer.
To partner with the Asylum Legal Clinic please give online or send a check to:
World Relief Chicagoland
191 S. Gary Ave. Suite 130
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Giving to the Asylum Legal Clinic equips World Relief's expert attorneys and representatives to provide critical legal services.
- $6,000 could cover the costs for one asylum seeker’s legal case, including staff time and other expenses.
- $1,000 could provide training for attorneys and support staff to develop their knowledge and skills.
- $500 could fund a law student internship, allowing a law student to gain valuable experience while supporting asylum casework in a meaningful way.
Meet the Team
Sarah Flagel, Asylum Legal Clinic Managing Attorney
Sarah Flagel is the Managing Attorney of the Asylum Legal Clinic. In addition to representing immigrants seeking safety in the U.S., Sarah oversees the day-to-day operation of the Clinic. She also regularly consults on immigration program design and best practices and is a frequent guest trainer with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. Prior to joining World Relief, Sarah helped initiate legal services for victims of violent crimes and domestic violence at Catholic Charities Chicago. She received her J.D. with a concentration in International Human Rights Law from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) School of Law, an M.A. in International Studies from DePaul University, and a B.A. from Taylor University. Sarah was credentialed as a Department of Justice accredited representative for several years before law school and speaks English and Spanish.
“What a privilege to counsel and represent people from around the world who have fled persecution – being trusted with another’s experience of suffering and resilience is an honor.”
Ryan McDuff, Asylum Legal Clinic Staff Attorney
Ryan McDuff is a staff attorney with the Asylum Legal Clinic. Ryan earned his J.D. from Northern Illinois University’s College of Law. While in law school, Ryan worked with the Illinois Innocence Project to seek justice for the wrongfully convicted and served at multiple pro bono legal services clinics serving vulnerable clients. Following law school, Ryan worked overseas with refugees and asylum seekers before returning to the U.S. to join World Relief.
Ryan’s professional experience includes working with nonprofit organizations in leadership development, marketing, and fundraising.
“I’m humbled and overjoyed to work on behalf of asylum seekers as we stand with the vulnerable and facilitate justice for our clients.”
Catherine Norquist, Regional Director of Immigration Legal Services
Catherine Norquist directs the regional Immigration Legal Services program for World Relief Chicagoland, which includes the Asylum Legal Clinic. Catherine joined World Relief in 2004 and gained Department of Justice accreditation in 2007 to practice immigration law. Catherine has directed the Immigration Legal Services program since 2009. She currently manages the program across the three offices (in Aurora, Carol Stream, and Chicago). In total, the regional program serves around 3,000 people each year. Catherine also serves as a member of the regional leadership team and represents World Relief as an educational leader on immigration policy, manages the program budget and strategy, and oversees the senior legal team.
“The immigration journey is long, confusing, and traumatic for so many, including those seeking asylum. Our team is passionate about helping people navigate that journey in an empowering and supportive way. “