2026 Poverty Law Conference: Full Schedule

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9:00am CDT

Navigating the Storm: Hot Topics and Rapid Shifts in Asylum Law

Thursday September 3, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

In an era of "constant changes in immigration enforcement and asylum law," practitioners must remain agile. This session analyzes "hot topics" in asylum litigation, with a focus on Texas-specific challenges and recent appellate decisions. Presenters will discuss emerging trends in "particular social group" (PSG) definitions, the impact of shifting border policies on credible fear interviews, and strategies for managing high-volume asylum dockets without compromising the "zealous representation" of vulnerable individuals.

Speakers

Andani Alcantara Diaz

Katya Perez

DOJ Accredited Representative, RAICES

I am an attorney originally from Mexico City and have lived in San Antonio, Texas for many years. In order to further support my professional work, I pursued a Master's degree in Social Justice, which complements both my legal background and my work in RAICES as a legal representative.Having... Read More →

Carmen Pina

Supervising Attorney, RAICES

Carmen Virginia Pina is an immigration attorney currently serving as Supervising Attorney. She has more than eight years of experience representing individuals in both removal defense and affirmative matters. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with vulnerable populations... Read More →

Thursday September 3, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Junior Ballroom

Immigration Law

10:15am CDT

Family Preparedness for Immigrant Families

Thursday September 3, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Junior Ballroom

Many immigrant parents and legal guardians are concerned about who can care for their children or make decisions for them if the parent or legal guardian is detained or deported. This session will review options for a family to make a plan for an alternate caregiver, including reviewing decision-making rights without court orders or authorization and formal authorizations through court orders or special powers of attorney. The session will also include basic immigration safety planning tips for non-immigration practitioners who want to assist their clients with these types of advanced-planning documents.

Speakers

Caitlin Fish

Attorney, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid

Caitlin Fish is the Domestic Violence & Family Law Group Coordinator at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Caitlin oversees the work of TRLA's domestic violence and family law practice and handles a variety of civil legal cases for survivors, including family law and immigration cases... Read More →

Thursday September 3, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Junior Ballroom

Immigration Law

1:00pm CDT

Beyond Borders: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Refugee Support and Resettlement

Thursday September 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Junior Ballroom

Providing "high-quality legal services" to refugees requires a bridge between legal relief and social stability. This session examines the RAICES model of integrating legal representation with holistic refugee services. We will discuss the specific challenges of the current resettlement environment, including housing instability, language access (serving non-Spanish speaking populations), and trauma-informed case management. The panel will demonstrate how "Holistic Service Integration" improves legal outcomes and client retention in both grant-funded and fee-for-service models.

Speakers

Shakira Taylor

Attorney, RAICES

Shakira M. Taylor BS, JD, L.L.M, is an immigration attorney with more than ten years of legal experience. She earned her law degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and an L.L.M in Transactional Law from Emory University School of Law. Her career has focused... Read More →

Einas Albadri

Bianca Aguilera

Thursday September 3, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Junior Ballroom

Immigration Law

2:15pm CDT

Family Preparedness in a Time of Mandatory Detention: The State of Habeas Corpus and Litigating Release in Federal Court

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

Junior Ballroom

Across Texas, immigrant families face growing risks of detention, creating urgent legal and practical challenges for advocates who support vulnerable communities. Many legal aid and nonprofit practitioners encounter these situations even if immigration law is not their primary area of practice. This session will provide an accessible overview of immigration detention and the role of federal habeas corpus litigation as a tool for challenging unlawful or prolonged detention and securing release from custody.

Panelists will explain how habeas petitions function in the immigration context, highlight recent legal developments, and discuss how detention challenges are currently being litigated in federal courts across Texas. Drawing from their experience coordinating pro bono habeas efforts, presenters will also explore practical considerations for advocates working with families at risk of detention, including ethical issues, cross-practice collaboration, and ways to incorporate detention-related legal planning into broader family preparedness efforts. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of when habeas relief may be available and how legal services organizations and community advocates—even those outside immigration practice—can help support families navigating detention-related crises.

Speakers

Robert Painter

Managing Attorney, Texas Immigration Law Council

Kate Gibson Kumar

Texas Civil Rights Project

Zainab Khan

Managing Attorney for the Immigration Detention Project, Texas A&M University School of Law Legal Clinic

Zainab Khan serves as the Managing Attorney for the Immigration Detention Project that is funded by Dallas Area Interfaith and housed in the Texas A&M University School of Law Legal Clinic. The Immigration Detention Project helps eligible detainees seek release form immigration detention... Read More →

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

Immigration Law

2026 Poverty Law Conference

From $306.69

Tickets

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2026 Poverty Law Conference

9:00am CDT

Andani Alcantara Diaz

Katya Perez

Carmen Pina

10:15am CDT

Caitlin Fish

1:00pm CDT

Shakira Taylor

Einas Albadri

Bianca Aguilera

2:15pm CDT

Robert Painter

Kate Gibson Kumar

Zainab Khan

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