Speech #1140046447

As an AmeriCorps fellow. Tom E1151 worked with community members and witnessed the myriad challenges faced by those suffering from chronic poverty. Tom took his passion for working with the disadvantaged to Yale Law School where he served as a student clerk in the Complex Federal Litigation Clinic and a Student Director in the Immigration Legal Services Clinic. After graduating from Yale Law School. Tom clerked for the Honorable Kimba M. Wood in the United States District Court. Southern District of New York. He continued his immigration advocacy as an Arthur Liman Public Interest Fellow at the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs where he represented asylum seekers and designed pro se programs for immigrants in removal proceedings. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Tom began working with the National Prison Project of the American Civil Liberties Union. As a litigation fellow with the National Prison Project. Tom helped to produce a groundbreaking comprehensive report condemning the belated evacuation of the Orleans Parish Prison. Tom combined his experience investigating prison abuse in New Orleans with his immigration expertise when he was hired to be the Immigration Detention Staff Attorney for the National Prison Project. In that role. Tom raised attention and awareness to the deficient and abusive medical care practices in immigrant detention and assisted Francisco Castaneda in a landmark case of medical abuse in detention. Tom testified honorably before the Judiciary Committee on two occasions. once accompanied by two of his clients who shared their stories in an effort to improve conditions of confinement. As counsel for the Judiciary Committee. Tom worked tirelessly to provide assistance to members and staff He was always available for legal analysis. advice and good conversation. Tom was known to many members and staff as a leader on all things relating to immigration. Tom developed a reputation for being dependable and easily approachable. His energetic disposition and positive attitude were always appreciated by Members and staff on both sides of the aisle. Tom played an important role in Comprehensive Immigration Reform negotiations. the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. issues concerning the surge of unaccompanied children and families at the Southern border and enactment of several private immigration bills. Toms absence will be felt on matters pertaining to immigration law and policy. but we are pleased to know that he will continue his efforts as the Vice President of Immigration Policy for the Center of American Progress. Mr. Speaker. we applaud Toms tireless. principled and loyal public service to the U.S.