RMIAN Statement on 2016 Presidential Election

We believe that justice for immigrants means justice for all. 

In the face of the election of a presidential candidate who has promised devastating changes to our nation’s immigration policies, the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) stands more committed than ever to working for justice for all. RMIAN will continue to fight tirelessly to advance the legal rights of our fellow Coloradans with immigrant backgrounds, particularly children throughout the state and adults in immigration detention. We stand in solidarity with immigrant communities throughout Colorado and the United States. We stand for inclusion, equality, and justice and will fight for due process and equal access to justice for all. 

“RMIAN’s commitment to the dignity and rights of the most vulnerable immigrant populations in Colorado, including children and detained adults, has never wavered, regardless of the political climate. This election will only deepen that commitment,” said Founding Board Member Hiroshi Motomura. 

Although the RMIAN community staunchly opposes the anti-immigrant measures advocated by the incoming administration, RMIAN is gratified by the resounding support of Coloradans who reject an agenda of hatred. Community members from all walks of life have stepped up in unprecedented numbers since the election to support RMIAN’s mission of ensuring justice for immigrants, and fighting the hatred, racism, misogyny and xenophobia it generated. 

RMIAN Attorney Elizabeth Zambrana states, “We are working tirelessly to ensure that our clients and immigrant communities everywhere are protected and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. RMIAN will educate current and former DACA clients, service providers, community organizations and the general public to ensure that Colorado communities receive accurate information about their rights and how to protect themselves and others. We will use all legal tools at our disposal to secure the rights of the most vulnerable, as we always have. We stand in solidarity with immigrant communities, not only as legal allies, but as neighbors, friends and essential community members. ” 

Apart from the harsh agenda the new administration has vowed to bring to Washington in January, 2017, RMIAN already is responding to an immediate immigration detention crisis. The number of individuals detained at the for-profit GEO Group immigration detention center in Aurora has nearly doubled since the beginning of October. RMIAN is struggling to stretch existing resources to serve a vastly larger number of vulnerable asylum seekers housed there, including hundreds of Haitians who have fled unspeakable hardship. 

Please consider supporting RMIAN’s work during this extraordinarily difficult time. You can help in the following ways: 

  1. If you are an attorney, contact RMIAN’s Pro Bono Coordinator Alex Gavern at agavern@rmian.org to request a pro bono case for a detained asylum-seeker or for a child who will face complex immigration proceedings alone because they cannot afford a private attorney. The need for volunteer attorneys is enormous. RMIAN will provide you with a screened referral, detailed memorandum, professional liability insurance, and a mentor. 
  2. Voice your support for humane immigration policies that represent RMIAN’s values. 
  3. Support RMIAN financially so we can fulfill our values statement, “We believe that justice for immigrants means justice for all.” Donations may be mailed directly to RMIAN at 3489 West 72nd Avenue, Suite 211, Westminster, CO 80030 or via RMIAN’s website www.rmian.org 

For additional information about RMIAN and ways you can help, please see www.rmian.org or contact Executive Director Mekela Goehring at mgoehring@rmian.org or (720) 370-9102. 

Sincerely, 
Patricia Medige
Mekela Goehring

RMIAN Statement on 2016 Presidential Election [PDF]

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RMIAN Attorneys Discuss the Future of DACA on Colorado Public Radio's Colorado Matters