March 2, 2026

Carmen M. Chavez, Esq. – Executive Director, Casa Cornelia Law Center

Casa Cornelia Law Center is a sponsored ministry of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus.

It is not a crime to flee persecution, sexual violence, or death threats. Yet too often, those seeking safety in the United States are met with suspicion and punitive policies rather than the protection our values promise.

For over 30 years, Casa Cornelia Law Center has represented indigent immigrants: asylum seekers, survivors of torture and domestic violence, and children who have never known safety. Our work ensures every person receives due process, a fair hearing, and a chance to rebuild their lives. Increasingly, this includes filing habeas corpus petitions to challenge unlawful detention—a lifeline only accessible with skilled legal representation.

The mission and spirit of Casa Cornelia are rooted in the tradition of service of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus (SHCJ) and its founder, Cornelia Connelly. Her belief in the dignity of every human being and in revealing God’s love through service guides our work daily. We are grateful for SHCJ’s ongoing support, which enables us to meet the needs and stand with the persecuted, the hopeful, and the most vulnerable among us.

Immigration attorneys do not undermine the law—we uphold it. When fear overshadows justice, trust erodes. Today, more than ever, we must defend human dignity and due process. We call on community members, advocates, and attorneys to support free legal services and ensure justice remains accessible to all.

Justice belongs to those who seek it. Compassion, fairness, and service define who we are at our best.