RMIAN Statement on the Future of DACA

We believe that justice for immigrants means justice for all.

September 1, 2017

Since the inception of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, RMIAN has worked tirelessly to help eligible youth in Colorado apply for this important protection and open doors of opportunity. RMIAN has witnessed the amazing courage and hard work of DREAMers, and been inspired by their journeys of higher education, employment, and family unity. RMIAN stands in solidarity with all DACA recipients and their families, and is adamantly opposed to any termination or reduction of the program.

“To end DACA would be a gross injustice and betrayal to the thousands of young immigrants who came forward, trusting in the rule of law, in order to more fully participate in the country that they call home. DACA recipients embody the very best of the United States, and to deny them the opportunity to live free from the threat of deportation and to end their continued work authorization is a tragedy, and a detriment to our country as a whole,” said RMIAN’s Executive Director Mekela Goehring.  

“For the President to end DACA in the name of the rule of law is the worst hypocrisy just days after he pardoned Joe Arpaio for a crime involving racial discrimination in law enforcement. For the President to end DACA in the name of immigration policy rejects all of the values — hard work, getting an education, and contributing to a better society for all Americans — that this country has always held dear,” said RMIAN Founding Board Member and UCLA Law Professor Hiroshi Motomura.

“We are devastated and outraged that the President plans to end DACA. By definition, people with DACA came to the United States as young children, have lived here for over ten years, have attended school here, and do not have criminal histories. They are children, students, lawyers, doctors, business owners, trusted employees, neighbors, friends, mothers and fathers. They are valued members of our community who will suddenly have their jobs and security taken away from them and who will be forced to live in fear of deportation by the government they trusted. We stand with all the DREAMers and call on Congress to provide them with meaningful protection,” said RMIAN’s Children’s Program Managing Attorney Ashley Harrington.

“Terminating DACA would have an immediate and devastating impact on the thousands of Colorado residents who have been approved for the program. Termination of the program would have wide-reaching, negative repercussions for the businesses that employ DACA recipients, the schools and universities that DACA recipients attend, and threaten the stability of the families who rely on the program. The uncertainty and anxiety plaguing my clients and young DREAMers across the country should serve as a moral imperative to our President and our legislators to take swift action to protect these young people. If they are indeed committed to the rule of law, the ball is squarely in their court to take the necessary action to protect them,” said RMIAN Equal Justice Works Emerson Fellow Attorney Elizabeth Zambrana.

RMIAN will continue to fight to advance the legal rights of our fellow Coloradans of immigrant backgrounds. We stand for inclusion, equality, and justice and will fight for due process and equal access to justice for all.  

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

*photo includes RMIAN attorney Elizabeth Zambrana (right) and a client who received DACA through RMIAN

RMIAN Founding Board Member Hiroshi Motomura Takes Downs Myths on DACA

Hiroshi v Haters

*Video content by the National Immigration Law Center

RMIAN to Co-Sponsor September CLE: Representing Immigrants in a New Era of Immigrant Enforcement

RMIAN will co-sponsor an upcoming CLE on Thursday, September 7, entitled: Representing Immigrants in a New Era of Immigration Enforcement. Event details here.

ACLU of Colorado to Honor RMIAN with Ralph Carr Award

The ACLU of Colorado's Bill of Rights Dinner is an annual event where community members come together to celebrate victories, honor leaders, and inspire the community to continue its critical work of defending and preserving civil rights and civil liberties for all.

RMIAN is honored to be the recipient of this year's Ralph Carr Award. Other honorees include Harold Fields, who will receive the Carle Whitehead Memorial Award, and Susan Greene, who will receive the Larry Tajiri Media Award.

The dinner is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 28, in Denver.

Immigrant Liberty Awards Inspire, Raise Funding for RMIAN

The 12th Annual Immigrant Liberty Awards, with the theme "Illuminating Justice," was held on Friday, June 16, in Denver.

More than 350 community members gathered to honor the outstanding achievements of immigrants, refugees, and those who advocate on behalf of the immigrant and refugee community. This year's event honored:

Yana Vishnitsky, who first came to Colorado with her family as a persecuted Jewish refugee from Soviet Russia in 1978. Yana's family was committed to building a better and freer life in the U.S. and received resettlement support from the Jewish Family Service of Colorado (JFS) upon her arrival. Vishnitsky became a case manager and translator with JFS, launching a successful career as a nonprofit leader. She retired from the agency as its President and CEO last year.

The Colorado African Organization Community Navigators, a unique group of individuals who are refugees themselves and help other new refugees bridge the gap between resettlement and self-sufficiency. These Community Navigators help others access the resources and support they need to integrate fully into Colorado and American society, including employment, housing, health care, and education.

Edgar Barraza, who made history as the first DREAMer admitted to the Colorado Bar. Edgar came to the U.S. at the age of 11 with his family  and, although he could not speak English, he was motivated by his mother to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to him. Barraza, who worked his way as a top student first through Denver Public Schools, then the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies, and finally the Sturm College of Law, is a model of academic success. He received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. Barraza was admitted to the Colorado Bar as its first DREAMer and is working for a private commercial litigation firm, Rollin Braswell Fisher, LLC, remembering to take time to give back to others through volunteering and mentoring programs.

In addition, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP received the 9th Annual Pro Bono Service Award in recognition of the exemplary pro bono legal services the firm has provided to clients through RMIAN's Children's Program and Detention Program.

Community Activist Nadeen Ibrahim served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The inspirational event raised over $100,000 of funding for RMIAN's programs. RMIAN wishes to thank all of the honorees, attendees, and individuals who helped make the event such a success.

Edgar Barraza (left) accepts his Immigrant Liberty Award from Master of Ceremonies, Nadeen Ibrahim.

Free Training on "Ethical Considerations for Attorneys Representing Detained Immigrants"

Practicing Law Institute will be hosting a program on how to most effectively address certain ethical challenges that arise in the context of representing detained immigrants under the ABA Model Rules and the California Rules of Professional Conduct. The panelists will discuss how to ethically address consent and confidentiality, how to keep clients reasonably informed, how to address conflicts of interest that are more likely to arise in the context of detained cases, how to handle concerns about the validity of evidence or testimony, how to prepare clients to testify without eliciting unnecessary information, and how to talk to clients about which forms of relief to pursue and potential settlement offers.

More information on the training can be found here.

Free Training on Secondary Trauma with ABA and RMIAN's Megan Hope

The American Bar Association Working Group on Unaccompanied Minor Immigrants presents a FREE 45 minute webinar on secondary trauma. Secondary trauma is a common consequence of listening to and witnessing the effects of others' traumatic experiences. Attorneys and other service providers who work with unaccompanied minor immigrants are exposed to a great deal of content that can trigger this kind of stress. This webinar will define primary and secondary trauma, explain how to recognize signs of secondary trauma in oneself and colleagues, and identify healthy ways to respond. The webinar will be interactive, drawing on participants' experiences, practices and ideas.

Contact:  Juliet Gilbert, staff for the Working Group on Unaccompanied Minor Immigrants, ABA Center for Pro Bono.  juliet.gilbert@americanbar.org

Presenter: Megan Hope, MSW, is the Coordinator of the Social Service and Human Trafficking Projects at the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), a non-profit provider of free immigration legal assistance to immigrant children throughout Colorado and to adults in immigration detention.

Date: Monday, June 26, 2017

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. CST

To register, please click here:    https://shop.americanbar.org/ebus/ABAEventsCalendar/EventDetails.aspx?productId=279420283

Please register no later than Friday, June 23, 2017.  A link to the webinar will be emailed to you the morning of June 26, 2017.

2017 Immigrant Liberty Award Winners Announced!

The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) has announced the honorees for the 12th Annual Immigrant Liberty Awards, an uplifting event themed “Illuminating Justice,” to be held at the McNichols Civic Center Building in Denver on Friday, June 16, 2017, at 5:30 pm.

Each year, attendees at the Immigrant Liberty Awards gather to honor the outstanding achievements of immigrants, refugees, and those who advocate on behalf of the immigrant and refugee community. This year, the awardees will include Colorado attorney and DREAMer Edgar Barraza, refugee and nonprofit leader Yana Vishnitsky, and the Colorado African Organization Community Navigators.

Edgar Barraza made history as the first DREAMer to be admitted to the Colorado Bar. He came to the U.S. at the age of 11 with his family and, although he could not speak English, he was motivated by his mother to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to him. Barraza, who worked his way as a top student first through Denver Public Schools, then the University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies, and finally the Sturm College of Law, is a model of academic success. He received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. Barraza was admitted to the Colorado Bar as its first DREAMer and is working for a private commercial litigation firm, Rollin Braswell Fisher LLC, remembering to take time to give back to others through volunteering and mentoring programs.

Yana Vishnitsky first came to Colorado with her family as a persecuted Jewish refugee from Soviet Russia in 1978. Her family was committed to building a better and freer life in the U.S. and received resettlement support from the Jewish Family Service of Colorado upon their arrival. Vishnitsky became a case manager and translator with Jewish Family Services, launching a successful career as a nonprofit leader. She retired from the agency as its President and CEO last year. 

The Colorado African Organization Community Navigators are a unique group of individuals who are refugees themselves and help other new refugees bridge the gap between resettlement and self-sufficiency. These Community Navigators help others access the resources and support they need to integrate fully into Colorado and American society, including employment, housing, health care, and education.

In addition to the honorees, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP will receive the 9th Annual Pro Bono Service Award in recognition of the exemplary pro bono legal services the firm has provided to clients through RMIAN’s Children’s Program and Detention Program.

At the event on June 16th, Nadeen Ibrahim, Community Activist and Member of the Denver Immigrant & Refugee Commission, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Ibrahim’s personal story of immigrating to the U.S. from Jerusalem as a baby, becoming a U.S. Citizen, studying public health, bridging cultural and religious differences as a Muslim, and devoting her life to advocating for the respect and awareness of diversity will powerfully connect to the themes of the evening. 

The Immigrant Liberty Awards benefits the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), a nonprofit organization that fights for justice for the most vulnerable immigrants in Colorado. RMIAN provides free immigration legal services to adults held in immigration detention and children who have suffered from abuse, neglect or violence. By contributing essential financial support to RMIAN, this annual event makes it possible for RMIAN to give meaning to a core value, that “Justice for Immigrants means Justice for All.”

This year’s event will include dinner, a silent and live auction, musical entertainment, and an awards ceremony. Event sponsors include The Colorado Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (Platinum Sponsor), Kolko & Associates, PC (Gold Sponsor), Stern & Curray LLC (Gold Sponsor), Elkind Alterman Harston PC (Silver Sponsor), Faegre Baker Daniels (Silver Sponsor), Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP (Bronze Sponsor), and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck (Bronze Sponsor).

For information about tickets or how to become a sponsor of the event, please contact libertyawards@rmian.org

Congressman Polis and Others Announce the Saved by American Immigrants National Taskforce (SAINT)

Congressman Jared Polis of Boulder, along with Norma Torres (D - Calif), Pramila Jayapal (D - Wash.), and Tony Cárdenas (D - Calif.), today announced the start of the Saved by American Immigrants National Taskforce (SAINT). This Taskforce will collect and share stories of documented and undocumented immigrants who have positively contributed to U.S. society through heroic of lifesaving acts.

A Press Release describing the Taskforce can be found here. Additional information has been provided by The Denver Post as well as an Editorial written by Congressman Polis himself.

Photo: Steve Nehf/Denver Post

A Review of Trump's First 100 Days

Managing Attorney of RMIAN's Detention Program, Laura Lunn, will be among the panelists at an upcoming CLE hosted by the Colorado LGBT Bar Association entitled: A Review of Trump's First 100 Days.

This panel discussion will be held in Downtown Denver on the evening of Wednesday, May 10. Additional event information, including registration instructions, can be found here.

May 11 Training - U Visas Under Trump: Advanced Topics & Emerging Issues

SAVE THE DATE

RMIAN is co-sponsoring an upcoming training along with ASISTA, Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Project Safeguard, and Swenson Law Office.

The training, U Visas Under Trump: Advanced Topics & Emerging Issues, will take place on Thursday, May 11, in Denver.

Additional training information, a list of speakers, and registration instructions can be found here.

Event Flyer PDF

Free Immigration Practice Training on Law Day 2017

In Celebration of Law Day 2017, RMIAN invites you to a free immigration practice training focusing on children's asylum claims before the immigration court.

Model Hearing Program: May 1, 2017, 9:30am to 4pm

This free seminar will provide hands-on immigration court training to a small group of pro bono representatives emphasizing practice, procedure, and advocacy skills, in order to improve the quality of representation before the Denver Immigration Court.

A substantive training in the morning will be followed by a simulated hearing in the afternoon, during which participants will have an opportunity to serve in the role of Respondent's Counsel or Witness. Sample case scenarios will be provided in advance of the training.

This training is designed for attorneys with little or no immigration law experience.

Program

9:30-11:30am: Immigration Court 101, Best Practices for Representing Children in Immigration Court, Asylum & Protection-Based Forms of Relief for Children

Presenters: Emily Brock, Children's Program Staff Attorney, RMIAN
                    Ashley Harrington, Children's Program Managing Attorney, RMIAN

Location: Faegre Baker Daniels, LLP
                 3200 Wells Fargo Center
                  1700 Lincoln St.
                   Denver

1:00-4:00pm: Model Hearing, including an Introduction to the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Presenters: Honorable Melanie Corrin, EOIR, Denver Immigration Court

Location: Denver Immigration Court
                 1961 Stout Street, Suite 3101
                  Denver

Please register for this event at: https://goo.gl/forms/qm3iifebOW2tBkxy2

Space is limited to 30 participants, 5 General CLE credits pending.

Link to PDF Event Flyer Here

Free Bono Bono Attorney Q&A Session

Join RMIAN attorneys Alex Gavern, Ashley Harrington, and Laura Lunn to hear the latest updates and procedures in immigration law and policy as they relate to your RMIAN pro bono cases. In addition to a general overview and updates to court practices and case processing, these RMIAN attorneys will answer individual questions and share best practices with the group. The presentation will also cover information regarding the most common client concerns and questions in this time of increased immigration enforcement.

Attendees are asked to submit questions before the training. Please submit your questions in advance via email to Alex Gavern at agavern@rmian.org.

Please bring your own lunch to this brown bag event. Special thanks to Faegre Baker Daniels for hosting the event and providing beverages.

Program: Q&A with RMIAN attorneys to ask questions about best practices for ongoing pro bono cases

Presenters: Alex Gavern, Pro Bono Coordinator, RMIAN
                    Ashley Harrington, Children's Program Managing Attorney, RMIAN
                     Laura Lunn, Detention Program Managing Attorney, RMIAN

Date & Time: Wednesday, April 19, 2017, 11:30am to 1:00pm

Location: Faegre Baker Daniels, LLP
                 3200 Wells Fargo Center
                  1700 Lincoln St.
                   Denver

To register please go to: https://goo.gl/forms/50ZZ8M81ypPCyp2O2

Please submit questiosn in advance via email to RMIAN's Pro Bono Coordinator, Alex Gavern, at agavern@rmian.org.

Link to PDF Event Flyer Here

RMIAN Board Member Hiroshi Motomura Selected for 2017 Guggenheim Fellowship

Hiroshi Motomura, RMIAN Founding Board Member, was selected as a 2017 Guggenheim Fellow. Mr. Motomura is the Susan Westerberg Prager Professor of Law at the UCLA School of Law and a leading scholar of immigration and citizenship law. Learn more about his previous work and the book he will be writing as a Guggenheim Fellow.

Maintaining the Rule of Law CLE Program

RMIAN's Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, will be among the presenters at an upcoming CLE Program organized by the Colorado Bar Association. Mekela will be discussing immigration issues while other topics include: Travel Bans, Muslims and Internment; Anti-Discrimination and Transgender Rights; First Amendment Challenges; and more. The all-day CLE will take place on Friday, May 5, in Denver. Program Agenda, Faculty, and Registration Information can be found here.

Being College Bound with DACA

When I was 9 years old, my big brother was deported the day after his high school graduation. My other brother couldn't afford to pay out-of-state college tuition, despite being smart and ambitious. They did not have DACA or ASSET to protect them or offer hope and opportunities. After watching my big brothers, I didn't believe I would be able to go to college myself. There were times when I almost gave up.

So many things have changed. A lot of schools have declared themselves sanctuary campuses and will not give out information to ICE. The announcement of the ASSET program changed my life.

But while I may be temporarily safe due to having DACA, I know that my fight is not finished. The new administration has said many negative things about immigrants. Both the border wall and the Muslim ban make me feel unwelcome and unsafe in a country that has been my home for 15 years. I live in constant fear that I will start college only to have fellow students or faculty expose me to government officials. Discrimination is hard to overcome and if discrimination comes from fellow students, I fear that I will give up.

With these fears foremost in my mind, I have to draw upon the support systems in my life to get to college graduation. My family has helped me on the road to success and is only one phone call away. Also, my RMIAN attorney, Elizabeth, offers her services no matter how busy she can be. With these support systems in place, I will never quit fighting.

But my biggest motivation, what keeps me fighting, is my commitment to become a lawyer. I will not leave anyone else to drown.

- D.A., RMIAN client, unDACAmented student, college-bound future lawyer

Thanks to College Track for collecting this client's testimony.

Immigration Enforcement Has Attorneys Stepping Up

Last week, RMIAN partnered with RBF Law to offer volunteer attorneys an introduction to immigration law. Law Week Colorado Covered the Event.

RMIAN Stands with Mayor Hancock on Steps of City County Building to Support Immigrant Day of Action

Coverage from CBS4 in Denver

Photo: CBS

RMIAN Volunteer Interpreter Training - March 28th

Since the election, RMIAN has received an overwhelming response from the legal community and local attorneys who would like to take a pro bono case through RMIAN. As a result, we have a huge need for volunteer interpreters to volunteer their language skills and assist attorneys with these cases.

We will be holding a training on Tuesday, March 28, at Regis University to train new volunteers on RMIAN and how to volunteer with us as an interpreter. We're hoping for a good turnout because the more interpreters we have available to us, the more legal cases we can refer out for both adults and children in deportation proceedings.

Our primary need continues to be Spanish but speakers of all languages are welcome to attend. If people in the network have questions, they can contact Mayra Prieto at RMIAN (mprieto@rmian.org).

Full Event Details Here (PDF).

Webinar on Haitian Asylum Claims

The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies and the Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti will be co-presenting a Webinar on Haitian Asylum Claims on Thursday, March 30. Increased numbers of Haitian asylum seekers have been arriving in the United States, including hundreds held in immigration detention here in Colorado, in the past year. This webinar will help attorneys better understand country conditions in Haiti and asylum eligibility for Haitians. Full Event Description Here (PDF).