Writing in Defense: Academic writing for asylum seekers

• In Event: Migration and Human Rights

Abstract

Currently, the academy finds itself called to action with the rise of asylum cases in the form of affidavits for expert witness testimony. Specialists in Latin American Studies find a new usefulness for their knowledge and expertise in the of grounding asylum seekers’ stories. Once asylum seekers present at port-of-entries and passed their credible fear interviews, they hire a lawyer. From that point, attorneys are in need of experts with Latin American knowledge.

This presentation looks at the steps academics can take to become active defenders of those who seek refuge in the United States from places in Latin America. As an historian, I have found myself researching stories grounding them in histories in order to help attorneys and clients argue for asylum. How does this newfound knowledge that I uncover in these stories help larger Latin American narratives?

Academics within their countries of expertise often find themselves researching uncharted territories of recent history and uncover stories involving danger, murder, fear, corruption, and violence. How do we navigate the space between providing the grounding that attorneys need to gain refuge for their clients and a new and ever changing legal standings within the current administration. Asylum seekers are not all fleeing cartel violence, most are fleeing domestic violence and gang violence. High numbers of asylum seekers face unforeseeable hurdles once they are allowed to stay in the United States. Where does the academy fit in this new knowledge arena? Where can we put our theory to new areas of praxis?

Author

• Autumn L Quezada-Grant, Roger Williams University