Westword: DOJ Cuts Funding for Know-Your-Rights Trainings for Detained Immigrants
Effective April 30, the Department of Justice is suspending funding for know-your-rights trainings at immigrant detention centers, including at Colorado’s sole detention center, in Aurora. Run by the private prison company GEO Group, the facility can house up to 1,500 detainees going through immigration proceedings.
RMIAN Deplores Trump Administration’s Ending of Legal Orientation Program
Yesterday the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) learned that the Department of Justice is ending funding for the Legal Orientation Program (LOP), effective April 30, 2018. The Legal Orientation Program provides essential legal information to individuals in civil immigration detention who are navigating complex immigration deportation proceedings, including here in Colorado.
RMIAN Deplores Trump Administration’s Ending of Legal Orientation Program
We believe that justice for immigrants means justice for all.
April 11, 2018
Contact: Mekela Goehring, mgoehring@rmian.org, (720) 370-9102
Yesterday the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) learned that the Department of Justice is ending funding for the Legal Orientation Program (LOP), effective April 30, 2018. The Legal Orientation Program provides essential legal information to individuals in civil immigration detention who are navigating complex immigration deportation proceedings, including here in Colorado.
“Ending the Legal Orientation Program is a gross injustice to individuals in civil immigration detention throughout the United States, and a betrayal of our nation’s fundamental commitment to due process and access to justice for all. Here in Colorado, RMIAN is able to provide critical legal information to over 2,300 individuals in civil immigration detention every year through the LOP. For the vast majority of these individuals, the opportunity to talk to RMIAN staff members is their only opportunity to learn about their legal rights, understand removal proceedings, and be connected to pro bono attorneys. This decision is antithetical to who we are as a country and our commitment to fundamental fairness,” said RMIAN’s Executive Director Mekela Goehring.
RMIAN has been providing legal services to detained individuals through the Legal Orientation Program for nearly fifteen years. RMIAN was selected by the Department of Justice in 2003 as one of six pilot programs nationwide to implement the Legal Orientation Program. Through a demonstrated track record for both improving court efficiency and promoting access to justice, the LOP subsequently was expanded to 38 sites throughout the United States.
RMIAN will continue to tirelessly fight for the legal rights of individuals in civil immigration detention here in Colorado and throughout the United States. Every day RMIAN sees the profound impact legal information, and the connection to pro bono attorneys, has on individuals’ cases and justice in the immigration court system. RMIAN stands 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 see www.rmian.org or contact Executive Director Mekela Goehring at mgoehring@rmian.org or (720) 370-9102.
RMIAN is a nonprofit organization that serves low-income men, women, and children in immigration proceedings. RMIAN promotes knowledge of legal rights, provides effective representation to ensure due process, works to improve detention conditions, and promotes a more humane immigration system, including alternatives to detention.
Upcoming Trainings Offered by RMIAN's Children's Program
Managing Attorney of RMIAN's Children's Program, Ashley Harrington, will be providing various presentations throughout the month of April about legal services for immigrant youth. See the enclosed information if you would like to attend any of the trainings or presentations.
On April 11 from 12:30-2:30pm, Ashley Harrington and Emily Brock will present a CLE to the Colorado Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) on best practices and current issues with representing unaccompanied children. Please contact AHarrington@rmian.org if you are interested in attending.
On April 11 at 5pm Ashley Harrington is presenting a CLE to the Colorado Bar Association Immigration and Juvenile Law Sections on working with immigrant juveniles. Please contact AHarrington@rmian.org if you are interested in attending.
On April 24 Ashley Harrington is co-presenting a CLE on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and other options for immigrant youth with Katie Glynn and Tim Eirich from Grob & Eirich, LLC, at the Convening Conference on Children, Youth and Families in Keystone, Colorado.
On April 27 Ashley Harrington is co-presenting a CLE on immigration issues impacting youth in delinquency proceedings to juvenile defenders and guardians ad litem at the Excellence in Juvenile Defense Conference in Denver.
Beyond Borders: The Case for Pro Bono Representation in Immigration Proceedings
RMIAN Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, writes for The Colorado Lawyer's April 2018 issue. This piece is part of the Access to Justice Series, which explores the access to justice gap in Colorado. Contributions were made by Phil Barber, an attorney in Denver and longtime pro bono attorney with RMIAN.
RMIAN Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, Participates in Facebook Live Event with Mayor Hancock and Other Advocates
RMIAN's Executive Director Mekela Goehring participated in a Facebook Live event on immigration on March 20, 2018, led by Mayor Hancock, and joined by panelists Jamie Torres (City of Denver), Juan Gallegos (CIRC), and Kit Taintor (State Refugee Coordinator). The group discussed the City's new Immigrant Legal Services Fund.
Denver Launches Immigrant Legal Services Fund
Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Denver City Council, and members of the Denver community today launched the Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund to provide access to legal representation for qualified individuals threatened with or in removal proceedings and individuals seeking affirmative relief - including DACA or DREAM Act-related relief.
Free Immigration Law and Trial Advocacy Training: Representing Detained Clients in Bond Hearings
Please join attorneys from RMIAN and National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) trainer Tom Swett to learn how to best ensure justice for detained immigrants in Colorado.
Please join attorneys from the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) and National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) trainer Tom Swett to learn how to best ensure justice for detained immigrants in Colorado.
This substantive and interactive training will provide essential information and skills for attorneys who are new to immigration law and are interested in providing pro bono representation for detained individuals in bond hearings before the Aurora Immigration Court. The training will focus on trial advocacy skills, and will include a mock hearing and break-out sessions for participants to practice a five minute bond hearing and receive a focused individual critique to improve advocacy skills. Attendance will be limited to 28 attorneys due to the interactive nature of this training. Special thanks to Davis Graham and Stubbs for hosting this training event.
The training is free for attorneys who agree to take a pro bono immigration case through RMIAN. RMIAN will screen potential pro bono cases, pair attorneys with clients, and provide legal resources, mentoring, and professional liability insurance to pro bono attorneys. For those unable to take a pro bono case, the training cost is $300.
SCHEDULE: 8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Registration
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.: Immigration Proceedings & Detention
9:50 a.m. – 10:00 a.m: Break
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Bond Eligibility, Practice, & Procedure
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Demonstration of Model Bond Hearing
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: Break
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Small group breakout and practice
WHEN: Thursday, April 5, 2018; 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Davis Graham & Stubbs, LLP
1550 17th Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80202
TRAINERS: Tom Swett, NITA Trainer and Attorney
Laura Lunn, Managing Attorney, RMIAN
Jessica Burnett, Pro Bono Coordinator, RMIAN
Tanika Vigil, Detention Staff Attorney, RMIAN
ATTIRE: Courtroom attire recommended
To register for the training, please click here.
Event flyer can be found here.
**Application for 3.5 CLE Credits Pending**
Questions? Please contact RMIAN Pro Bono Coordinator, Jessica Burnett, at jburnett@rmian.org
CU Law Honors RMIAN Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, with Award
University of Colorado Law School honors RMIAN Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, with Dean's Choice - Dean Edward C. King Making a Difference Award.
RMIAN Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, was honored at the 37th Annual Colorado Law Alumni Awards Banquet last night in Denver. The event, which was held in the Seawell Grand Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, honors distinguished alumni. Mekela was honored with the Dean's Choice - Dean Edward C. King Making a Difference Award.
RMIAN is Proud to Partner with the Immigration Justice Campaign
The Immigration Justice Campaign recently launched a new website filled with terrific information, resources, and volunteer opportunities. RMIAN is proud to be a partner in this initiative that increases access to counsel for immigrants held in detention in Colorado.
RMIAN's Megan Hope to be on Panel at Upcoming Freedom Network Conference
RMIAN's Social Service Project Director Megan Hope is a panelist on immigration detention and labor trafficking at the Freedom Network Conference in Denver, CO on April 4-5, 2018.
Free Habeas Corpus Nuts and Bolts Webinar - 2/21/18
Register for AILA's free webinar on nuts and bolts of habeas and how to use it to challenge immigration detention. This webinar is a five-part series, presented by AILA's Federal Court Litigation Section and the Immigration Justice Campaign.
RMIAN Staff Members Discuss ICE Enforcement with Colorado Public Radio
RMIAN's Mekela Goehring, Ashley Harrington, and Laura Lunn featured in Colorado Public Radio story about increased ICE enforcement and the devastating effects on community members.
University of Denver & University of Colorado-Boulder to Host DACA Renewal Clinics
The University of Denver and the University of Colorado-Boulder to host DACA Renewal Clinics to provide legal advice and help to prepare applications.
Current DACA recipients who would like to renew their status are able to attend two upcoming clinics, one in Denver and one in Boulder.
The University of Denver will be hosting a DACA Renewal Clinic on Monday, January 22nd. Details of the clinic can be found here.
The University of Colorado-Boulder will also be hosting a DACA Renewal Clinic on Friday, January 26th. Details of the event can be found here.
Both clinics will feature attorneys and trained professionals on site and able to answer questions and provide assistance. DACA holders whose status will expire in 2018 or whose status expired in 2017 are encouraged to consult with an attorney and considering renewing their status immediately.
RMIAN Accepting DACA Renewal Cases
It is unknown how long USCIS will continue to accept DACA renewal applications, so individuals who wish to apply may want to do so quickly. Individuals who believe they may be eligible to apply to renew their DACA and who cannot afford a private attorney may contact the RMIAN's Children's Program for a free consultation by calling 303-433-2812. Individuals who can afford to are encouraged to consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
RMIAN is pleased to announce that United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accepting applications for the renewal of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). On January 9, 2018, the Federal District Court in San Francisco, California, ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume accepting and processing DACA renewal applications. On January 13, 2018, USCIS issued an announcement confirming that they will resume accepting applications to renew DACA for those who currently have or who previously held DACA. It is important to note that USCIS will not be accepting applications from individuals who have never before held DACA.
It is unknown how long USCIS will continue to accept DACA renewal applications, so individuals who wish to apply may want to do so quickly. Individuals who believe they may be eligible to apply to renew their DACA and who cannot afford a private attorney may contact the RMIAN's Children's Program for a free consultation by calling 303-433-2812. Individuals who can afford to are encouraged to consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Immigration Justice Campaign and RMIAN Announce New Partnership
The Immigration Justice Campaign, a joint initiative between AILA and the American Immigration Council, announces its partnership with RMIAN in an effort to increase the legal representation of detained immigrants.
RMIAN Responds to President's Most Recent Vulgar Remarks
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
The U.S. president’s vulgar and bigoted comments about immigration from African and other countries, coming on the eve of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, serve as a stark reminder of how far this nation is from realizing Dr. King's goals of equality for all. Unless Americans stand for justice and equality now, this country will slide further from these goals.
In response to Thursday’s events, we share a message that Malcolm R. Evans, RMIAN Board Treasurer and Chair of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, posted on behalf of the Chamber:
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Excerpt from The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus, poet and descendant of Jewish immigrants inscribed on a plaque on the Statue of Liberty pedestal. The CBCC supports our community of African, Haitian and other Caribbean immigrants that come to the United States seeking a better life. They start businesses, hire employees, send their kids to college and contribute to the fabric of America. – Thank you for your continued contribution to our Business Community!
Lawyers Worry about Representation at Proposed ICE Jail
Reporter Andrew Graham speaks with RMIAN's Executive Director, Mekela Goehring, and others about a proposed immigration detention center in rural Wyoming.
Detention Watch Network to Hold National Member Conference in Denver - May 2018
Denver will host Detention Watch Network's National Member Conference on May 17-19, 2018. This is a great opportunity for Coloradans to collaborate with national experts and advocates working on issues related to immigration detention.
First Death in Immigration Detention in Fiscal Year 2018 Takes Place in Aurora
"RMIAN mourns the death of Mr. Samimi, whose preliminary cause of death is cardiac arrest, while detained at the for-profit civil immigration detention center. We witness the tragedy of immigration detention on a daily basis. This death powerfully demonstrates the need for ICE to end immigration detention and pursue alternatives to detention," said RMIAN Board President, Patricia Medige.
Support RMIAN on Colorado Gives Day!
Tuesday, December 5, is Colorado Gives Day. Be part of the statewide movement to give where you live and help us take advantage of the $1 million incentive fund by making a donation to RMIAN today!