Universal Representation Project
There is no right to a public defender for immigrants facing deportation, even if the respondent is a child, is detained, or is a long-time U.S. community member. As a result, the vast majority of immigrants facing deportation do so alone, without a lawyer.
RMIAN seeks to correct this injustice and keep Colorado families together by advocating for universal representation for immigrants facing deportation in Colorado. In particular, we:
Provide free legal representation to Denver residents detained at the Aurora Detention Center through the Denver Immigrant Legal Defense Fund, in partnership with the Vera Institute of Justice, Safety and Fairness for Everyone (SAFE) Network.
Work with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) and other community groups and stakeholders to advocate for the expansion of universal legal representation in Colorado for persons detained by immigration authorities in Colorado and community members facing deportation at the Denver Immigration Court.
For further information on RMIAN’s universal representation efforts, please see:
Safety & Fairness for Everyone (SAFE) Network: Denver (RMIAN & The Vera Institute of Justice, 2019)
Support Universal Representation: SAFE Network 101 (Vera Institute of Justice, 2020)
Profile of the foreign-born population in Denver, Colorado (The Vera Institute of Justice)
Due Process for All: Evidence from Year 2 of the SAFE Network (The Vera Institute of Justice, 2019)
“Once detained in ICE [custody]… days passed and I was confused. In reality, I [had] no idea how to face the proceedings, like many of the detainees that are here in the detention center… [My lawyer] not only allowed for me to retain my status as a permanent resident, but I can be together with my son and family.”