2026 Poverty Law Conference: Full Schedule

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1:00pm CDT

Challenges in Obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Findings in SAPCR Proceedings

Wednesday September 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

KIND staff will explore the challenges of representing children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) in SAPCR proceedings. KIND will review the requisite SIJS findings and common issues that can arise when working through standard SAPCR procedures. Attendees will have the opportunity to work through hypotheticals and review sample filings.

Speakers

Carolina Rodriguez-Neufeld

Salma Hasan

Marisa Peterson

Wednesday September 2, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Junior Ballroom

Immigration Law

2:15pm CDT

Security and Sovereignty: Protecting Immigrant Families through Naturalization

Wednesday September 2, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Junior Ballroom

This session explores naturalization as the ultimate tool for family unity and permanent security in a volatile legal landscape. Presenters will provide a technical deep-dive into N-400 issues, including navigating the "good moral character" requirement, medical waivers (N-648), and the implications of the most recent USCIS policy manual updates. Participants will learn strategies for identifying potential "red flag" cases that could lead to removal proceedings and how to effectively utilize administrative advocacy to resolve delayed applications.

Speakers

Sara Morales

DOJ Accredited Representative, RAICES

Sara Morales is a DOJ Accredited Representative since 2018 with experience assisting immigrant families and individuals through the immigration legal process. Through advocacy, education, and community outreach, she provides guidance on immigration relief options, citizenship, family... Read More →

Maria Romero

DOJ Accredited Representative, RAICES

Leticia Galicia

DOJ Accredited Representative, RAICES

Wednesday September 2, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Junior Ballroom

Immigration Law

3:30pm CDT

Essentials for Non-Immigration Practitioners: 2026 Immigration Legal Updates and Practical Tips

Wednesday September 2, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT

Junior Ballroom

This practical session provides attorneys outside the immigration field with essential insights into 2026's significant immigration developments. The session covers fundamental immigration concepts relevant to general practice, including Alien Registration Numbers, procedures for locating clients in immigration detention, methods for verifying immigration court hearings, and preparing in case of detention and deportation. Topics and updates covered are subject to change in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Speakers

Jessica Cisneros

Managing Attorney, Texas Immigration Law Council

Jessica Cisneros is a Managing Attorney at the Texas Immigration Law Council. Prior to joining the team, Jessica served at RAICES as the supervising attorney for the Laredo Removal team and as a staff attorney for the Family Detention/Expedited Removal team. Since graduating from... Read More →

Wednesday September 2, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Junior Ballroom

Immigration Law