Graves & Doyle to Receive Pro Bono Award from PAIR Project

Kerry Doyle and I are honored to be receiving the PAIR Project's  Pro Bono Award at their annual gala on June 11, 2014.  PAIR is a remarkable organization that provides pro bono attorneys for asylum seekers, assists detainees with legal representation, coordinates a bond panel and provides "Know Your Rights" sessions for detainees among other great work.  I recommend their website and I particularly recommend making a donation. 

Ivanov v. Holder - Excellent First Circuit Asylum Decision

In a recent decision, the First Circuit reversed a BIA decision and remanded for further proceedings.  The Court found that the IJ and BIA had erred in finding that the Petitioner's persecution was not "on account of" of his Pentecostal faith.  It was a terrific outcome.  The only disappointing aspect of the case was the  vigorous dissent written by Judge Kayatta, the newest member of the Court.  The dissent found that substantial evidence showed that Petitioner was not persecuted on account of his religion.  The case can be found here: Ivanov v. Holder

Congratulations to Randy Olen and Bob Watt for their terrific work.