A first-of-its kind partnership advancing cross-border immigration advocacy, legal education, and support for migrant communities in the United States and Mexico.
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About BMAP
The Binational Migrant Advocacy Project (BMAP) is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic (LIJC) at LMU Loyola Law School and ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara. As the first and only clinic of its kind housed at a U.S. law school, BMAP was created to address the increasingly complex realities of migration between the United States and Mexico through cross-border legal advocacy, collaboration, and experiential legal education.
BMAP supports migrants and families navigating immigration systems in both countries while preparing future lawyers to respond to immigration challenges that do not stop at national borders. Through direct advocacy, student training, and binational partnership, the program brings law students in the United States and Mexico together to work across cultures, languages, and legal systems in support of migrant communities, including deportees, migrants in transit, and mixed-status families.
Rooted in partnership between LIJC and ITESO, BMAP reflects a growing recognition that effective immigration advocacy increasingly requires cross-border coordination and collaboration. The program expands opportunities for experiential legal education while building long-term capacity to support migrants on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
At a time of growing uncertainty for immigrant communities, BMAP’s work has taken on increased urgency. The program provides advocacy and support for individuals and families facing legal vulnerability, instability, and separation, while also advancing a model of immigration law education grounded in human dignity, social justice, and practical legal presence.
With an expanding presence in Mexico and growing collaboration between partner institutions, BMAP represents an innovative approach to immigration advocacy and legal education - one designed to prepare lawyers to meet the realities of today’s immigration landscape with skill, compassion, and courage.
- Transformative Gift Launches First Binational Clinic in Mexico
- LIJC Leads Historic Trip to Tijuana for 250 DACA Recipients
- LIJC Celebrates Launch of Mexico Office of BMAP with ITESO
See BMAP in Action
- Binational Migrant Advocacy Project Collaboration is First of Kind in U.S.
- Binational Migrant Advocacy Project Inauguration Ceremonies
BMAP in the News
- ”Cuando la ley apoya a nuestra comunidad” (“When the law supports our community”), VivaLA
- BMAP Fellow Kevin Sarabia Profile, LMU Magazine Off Press podcast
- ”¿Qué implica regresar a México después de haber vivido toda la vida en Estados Unidos?” (“What does it mean to return to Mexico after having lived your entire life in the United States?”), ITESO Podcast
- "Dreamers' Risky Plan," NBC News
Contact / Media Inquiries
Media contact
Brian Costello, director, Marketing & Communications, LMU Loyola Law School
brian.costello@lls.edu
213-736-1444
Clinic contact
Marissa Montes, founding director, Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic
marissa.montes@lls.edu
213-736-8136
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