RMIAN's Sarah Plastino to speak at the Detention Watch Network's 12th National Member Conference
RMIAN Detention Program Senior Staff Attorney, Sarah Plastino, will speak at the Detention Watch Network's 12th National Member Conference, "Fighting Dignity, Justice, and Liberation." The panel, "Plenary: Immigrant Rights and Anti-Detention Work in Colorado," will take place at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, May 18th, 2018. Ms. Plastino and other Colorado-based immigrant advocates will discuss local trends in immigration enforcement and RMIAN's efforts to protect due process and other rights in detention. Additional information here.
Boulder Weekly: Dodging a Bullet... For Now
Why keeping the Legal Orientation Program alive is so important
Photo: Gage Skidmore
RMIAN Celebrates Important Victory: Legal Orientation Program Will Continue
Two weeks ago the Department of Justice announced that it would end funding for the Legal Orientation Program (LOP), effective April 30, 2018. Today, RMIAN is proud to announce an important victory: the Legal Orientation Program will continue. In comments made today before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the program will continue throughout the evaluation process.
April 25, 2018
Contact: Mekela Goehring, mgoehring@rmian.org, (720) 370-9102
Two weeks ago the Department of Justice announced that it would end funding for the Legal Orientation Program (LOP), effective April 30, 2018. Today, RMIAN is proud to announce an important victory: the Legal Orientation Program will continue. In comments made today before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the program will continue throughout the evaluation process.
“Continuing a program — the LOP — that serves both justice and efficiency should have been a no-brainer from the start. That this administration has reversed — at least for the time being — its initial decision to end the program is welcome news for all who care about due process, the rule of law, and fiscal responsibility. But this close call is a reminder that even the most bipartisan and sensible efforts to do justice are at risk in this administration. We at RMIAN are resolutely committed to overcoming this and future challenges, to make sure that we keep working for justice for immigrants — and justice for all,” said RMIAN Board Member Hiroshi Motomura.
“The near disappearance of the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) is a call to action for all of us who care about the rule of law and justice for immigrants in the United States. RMIAN is thrilled that the Department of Justice has reversed its decision and is now doing the right thing by allowing the Legal Orientation Program to continue. However, we know this battle is not over; RMIAN will continue to fight for the rights of our fellow community members ensnared in civil immigration detention in Colorado, and ensure this vital lifeline continues well into the future,” said RMIAN’s Executive Director Mekela Goehring.
Affected clients, nonprofit partners, community members, and elected representatives mobilized in the past two weeks throughout Colorado to save this essential program. Mayor Hancock and nearly all the Denver City Council members sent a letter urging the continuation of the Legal Orientation Program to Attorney General Sessions. Representative Jared Polis and Senator Bennet wrote and signed on to statements demanding the Legal Orientation Program continue. RMIAN’s clients spoke out against the program’s termination. This tireless advocacy helped change the course of a decision that would have had disastrous impacts on individuals ensnared in civil immigration detention in Colorado and beyond. RMIAN extends its heartfelt gratitude to the amazing network of supporters who rallied to fight for justice for immigrants.
“RMIAN is relieved that we can continue upholding the most basic levels of due process for the individuals held in the civil detention facility in Aurora, Colorado. Information is power, and stripping noncitizens of access to legal providers would effectively deny them of the rights to which they would otherwise not know they are entitled. Although we cannot breathe easily because there is an ongoing review of the program, we are pleased to continue serving those who are forced to navigate this complex legal system with limited resources,” said RMIAN’s Detention Program Managing Attorney Laura Lunn.
For additional information about RMIAN and ways you can help, please see www.rmian.org.
The Purple State Report by ACLU of Colorado: Immigrant Rights are Civil Rights
ACLU of Colorado Staff Attorney Arash Jahanian sits down with Mekela Goehring, Executive Director of RMIAN, to discuss the consequences of ending the program and the most important things immigration detainees and their families should know.
Polis, Torres demand that the Legal Orientation Program continues for detained immigrants, saving taxpayers nearly $18 million
U.S. Representative Jared Polis, 2nd District of Colorado, signed on to a letter urging the Attorney General and the Department of Justice to reverse its decision to end the Legal Orientation Program (LOP).
Denver Post: Denver Mayor and City Council Chide Jeff Sessions Over Feds’ Suspension of Know-Your-Rights Program for Detained Immigrants
Denver city officials have asked U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reverse the Justice Department’s decision to suspend a legal-advisement program for detained immigrants while it undergoes a cost-effectiveness audit.
Photo: Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post
Mayor Hancock, Members of City Council Urge Continuation of Legal Orientation Program
Mayor Michael B. Hancock and members of City Council have submitted a letter to the Department of Justice urging Attorney General Jeff Sessions to continue the Legal Orientation Program (LOP), a program the department plans to halt starting April 30, 2018. The LOP, which educates detained immigrants about their rights and provides essential information, counseling, and other services, is critical to helping immigrants make informed decisions about their cases.
CPR: Justice Legal Aid Review Complicates Colorado Immigration Advocates’ Work
Former RMIAN client, Alvaro (pictured above), was in detention five years ago after entering the country as a human trafficking victim from Mexico. Because of legal aid he received, he was able to fight his case and obtain a green card. He now works construction in Denver. Colorado Public Radio talks to Alvaro and RMIAN staff members about the Department of Justice's decision to suspend funding for the Legal Orientation Program (LOP).
Photo: Allison Sherry/CPR News
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.