Our Broken Refugee Process Is Sending Haitian Asylum Seekers Back to Danger

"I first met David in November 2021, while volunteering as an attorney for asylum seekers detained at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Aurora, Colorado. David [] has a story similar to many asylum seekers in this country. It’s a story that speaks to the brokenness of how we assess asylum claims."

In a powerful op-ed, Catherine Flanders, a pro bono attorney supported by RMIAN and the Immigration Justice Campaign, details her efforts working alongside David, an asylum-seeker from Haiti who came to the United States in search of safety. Despite profound efforts to have his claim fairly and adequately considered, David was deported without even the opportunity to file an asylum application. Catherine's account highlights many of the flaws in our system, which too often prioritizes expediency over a fair day in court.

Read the article here.

We are thrilled to welcome new staff members to RMIAN’s team!

Christine Dutko

Staff Attorney, Children’s Program

Christine joined RMIAN in January 2022 as a Children’s Program Staff Attorney. Before joining RMIAN, Christine worked as a staff attorney at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid in Edinburg and San Antonio, Texas, where she represented survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking who were seeking humanitarian relief. Christine received her B.A. from Kenyon College in Gambier, OH, and her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. Prior to law school, Christine served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala.

ESP:

Christine se unió a RMIAN en enero de 2022 como abogada del personal del Programa de Niños. Antes de unirse a RMIAN, Christine trabajó como abogada en Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid en Edinburg y San Antonio, Texas, donde representó a sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y trata de personas que buscaban ayuda humanitaria. Christine recibió su B.A. de Kenyon College en Gambier, OH, y su J.D. de la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de California, Berkeley. Antes de la escuela de derecho, Christine se desempeñó como voluntaria del Cuerpo de Paz en Guatemala.

Daisy Gavarrete

Social Worker, MSW, Social Service Project

Daisy received her Master of Social Work from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2018 and joined RMIAN as a Detention Program Social Worker in January 2022. Prior to joining RMIAN, Daisy worked at Legal Services for Children working primarily for detained and formerly detained youth in ORR custody and the Bay Area. Daisy is passionate about addressing mental health injustices and disparities in oppressive systems by advocating for and empowering clients. As a first-gen, proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, Daisy is humbled and honored to continue advocating for the rights of immigrants, Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color in her hometown. Beyond her work at RMIAN, Daisy enjoys spending time with her husband and family, dancing, eating and traveling.

ESP:

Daisy recibió su Maestría en Trabajo Social de la Universidad Estatal Metropolitana de Denver en 2018 y se unió a RMIAN como Trabajadora Social del Programa de Detención en enero de 2022. Antes de unirse a RMIAN, Daisy trabajó en Servicios Legales para Niños trabajando principalmente para jóvenes detenidos y anteriormente detenidos bajo custodia de ORR y el Área de la Bahía. A Daisy le apasiona abordar las injusticias de salud mental y las disparidades en los sistemas opresivos al abogar y empoderar a los clientes. Como hija orgullosa de inmigrantes mexicanos de primera generación, Daisy se siente honrada de continuar abogando por los derechos de los inmigrantes, negros, indígenas y comunidades de color en su ciudad natal. Más allá de su trabajo en RMIAN, a Daisy le gusta pasar tiempo con su esposo y su familia, bailar, comer y viajar.

Diana Rodríguez

Paralegal, Children’s Program

Diana graduated from the University of Utah in 2020 with a BA in History and Minor in Sociology. During her undergrad, Diana's interest in politics led her to complete two legislative internships both on a state and national level. Diana is a daughter and sister to Mexican immigrants who are proudly now US citizens. Her family's immigration journey sparked her passion for immigration, motivating her to pursue a career in legally advocating for immigrants. Before being hired on with RMIAN in January 2021, she worked at a private immigration firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah for nearly three years. As a paralegal she primarily handled I-601/I-601A waivers and assisted with adjustment of status, removal of condition, naturalization, VAWA, and DACA renewal applications. Diana is excited to continue doing fulfilling work and to explore what Colorado has to offer. Outside of the office she enjoys climbing, going to music festivals, running, and hiking with her smooshy-faced doggo.

ESP:

Diana se graduó de la Universidad de Utah en 2020 con una licenciatura en Historia y una especialización en Sociología. Durante su pregrado, el interés de Diana en la política la llevó a completar dos pasantías legislativas tanto a nivel estatal como nacional. Diana es hija y hermana de inmigrantes mexicanos que ahora son orgullosamente ciudadanos estadounidenses. El viaje de inmigración de su familia despertó su pasión por la inmigración, motivándola a seguir una carrera en la defensa legal de los inmigrantes. Antes de ser contratada con RMIAN en enero de 2021, trabajó en una firma privada de inmigración con sede en Salt Lake City, Utah, durante casi tres años. Como asistente legal, manejó principalmente las exenciones I-601 / I-601A y ayudó con el ajuste de estatus, la eliminación de la condición, la naturalización, VAWA y las solicitudes de renovación de DACA. Diana está emocionada de continuar haciendo un trabajo satisfactorio y explorar lo que Colorado tiene para ofrecer. Fuera de la oficina le gusta escalar, ir a festivales de música, correr y caminar con su perro.

Jessy K. Pérez

Social Worker, MSW, Social Service Project

Jessy K. Pérez is the Children’s Program Social Worker at RMIAN. Jessy has experience in the non-profit sector providing direct services to LGBTQ+, displaced peoples, and survivors of intimate partner violence. She has worked as a community organizer and advocates for immigrants’ rights and policy change. Her work with individuals at risk of deportation has contributed to the statewide efforts to transform immigration legislation in Colorado, such as ending SB-90, known as “show me your papers,” and advancing driver’s licenses for all. Jessy has also engaged in activist scholarship research using a multicultural praxis framework to understand the experiences of marginalized individuals in the workplace and to provide implications for community-based practice. Jessy has a BS in Social Work from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and an MSW from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jessy is committed to being a resource to participants in the Children’s Program and the Dedicated Docket at the Denver Immigration Court. When Jessy is not at work, she loves long walks, dogs, and horses. She finds animals to be healing creatures and hopes to one day incorporate them into her therapeutic practice.

ESP:

Jessy K. Pérez es la Trabajadora Social del Programa de Niños en RMIAN. Jessy tiene experiencia en el sector sin fines de lucro brindando servicios directos a la comunidad LBGTQ +, personas desplazadas y sobrevivientes de violencia de pareja. Ha trabajado como organizadora comunitaria y aboga por los derechos de los inmigrantes y el cambio de políticas. Su trabajo con personas en riesgo de deportación ha contribuido a los esfuerzos estatales para transformar la legislación de inmigración en Colorado, como poner fin a la SB-90, conocida como "muéstrame tus papeles", y promover las licencias de conducir para todos. Jessy también ha participado en la investigación de becas activistas utilizando un marco de praxis multicultural para comprender las experiencias de las personas marginadas en el lugar de trabajo y proporcionar implicaciones para la práctica basada en la comunidad. Jessy tiene una licenciatura en Trabajo Social de la Universidad Estatal Metropolitana de Denver y un MSW de la Universidad de Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jessy se compromete a ser un recurso para los participantes en el Programa de Niños y el Expediente Dedicado en la Corte de Inmigración de Denver. Cuando Jessy no está en el trabajo, le encantan los largos paseos, los perros y los caballos. Ella encuentra que los animales son criaturas curativas y espera algún día incorporarlos a su práctica terapéutica.

Nearly 85% of Individuals on Biden’s New Expedited Docket for Families Seeking Asylum Do Not Have Lawyers.

Denver, CO, January 19, 2022 - Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) and the Colorado Lawyers Committee are holding a two-part training series, “Representing Families Fleeing Persecution and Seeking Asylum in the United States,” to train lawyers with no prior immigration experience to represent families seeking asylum on a new expedited docket for recently-arrived asylum-seeking families, called the “Dedicated Docket” in Denver.

Part One of the training program will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.

Part Two of the training program will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2022, from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm.

On May 28, 2021, the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security selected Denver as one of just ten cities across the United States to start an expedited “Dedicated Docket.” [1][2][3]

According to data recently analyzed and released by the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University, nearly 85% of asylum seekers on the expedited docket have been forced to navigate the high-stakes, complex and adversarial proceedings in immigration court entirely on their own [4]. In fact, over 72,000 cases involving asylum-seeking families have been assigned to the expedited docket, and only 13 people on the expedited docket have been granted asylum or another form of lawful relief from deportation thus far.[5]

“Rather than promoting its stated goal of ensuring fairness and justice, this docket has the exact opposite effect. What we see are families -- parents fleeing persecution and seeking a safer, better life for their young children -- forced to proceed in complex legal proceedings, in a language that is not their own, with the fewest resources to obtain legal representation on an impossible timeline. The report confirms that this docket prioritizes individuals for failure, on the very basis of their identified vulnerability,” said Emily Brock, Senior Staff Attorney, Children’s Program, RMIAN.

With no appointed counsel in immigration proceedings, these numbers should come as no surprise. The expedited docket contemplates completion of each family’s case within 300 days (about 10 months), much faster than the average of 58 months, or nearly 5 years, most immigration cases take to go through the court system. [6][7] When families have sufficient time to access work authorization and save money, they are much more likely to be able to hire a lawyer to represent them in immigration court. However, due to the waiting period requirement and processing times for work authorization applications, it is effectively impossible for any of the families on the new expedited docket to access work authorization within 300 days.

The Department of Justice memo justifies the selection of the designated cities for the expedited docket, in part, by noting that these cities have “established communities of legal services providers,” and notes that DHS and DOJ will “refer families to pro bono legal service providers for possible representation.” However, RMIAN and over 130 organizations across the country have unequivocally communicated to DHS and DOJ [8] that legal service providers in the designated cities do not have excess capacity to meet the representation needs of the large number of families on the expedited “Dedicated Docket.” Rather, legal service providers were unable to meet the need for legal representation in their communities prior to the creation of the new expedited docket.

Alyssa Telander, Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney for RMIAN’s Children’s Program, said, “The training program starting tomorrow is our effort to fill a small portion of the enormous gap in legal representation for families on the Dedicated Docket. We are so incredibly thankful to all the volunteers who are stepping up to represent the families who are being rushed through this expedited docket process. However, the sad reality is that there are so many families that we will not be able to help. The only real solution is to end the Dedicated Docket.”

While RMIAN shares the administration’s concerns about the growing backlog of cases in immigration court, RMIAN rejects the expedited “Dedicated Docket” as a viable solution to the problem. The docket raises due process concerns for the families rushed through the process and all but guarantees that thousands of families will face an immigration judge without an attorney and be ordered deported. RMIAN calls on the Biden Administration to rescind the “Dedicated Docket” process immediately.

Reporters seeking more information about RMIAN’s response to the Dedicated Docket can contact Emily Brock at ebrock@rmian.org. Lawyers who wish to volunteer can register for the upcoming training program or email probonochildrens@rmian.org.

Pro Bono Spotlight: Making Waves at the 10th Circuit (full letter)

Recently, the 10th Circuit issued two published decisions upholding the rights of asylum-seekers and immigrants in removal proceedings. In both cases, the petitioners were represented by RMIAN attorneys before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and connected with representation for their petitions for review through RMIAN’s pro bono program. We write today to uplift these victories and congratulate Mr. Takwi and Mr. Villegas-Castro, their pro bono counsel, and those who provided support along the way.

The first decision, published by the 10th Circuit on December 2nd, 2021, came in Villegas-Castro v. Garland. Mr. Villegas Castro is from Mexico and applied for asylum, withholding of removal, relief under the Convention against Torture and cancellation of removal before the immigration judge (IJ). The IJ initially granted cancellation of removal but denied fear-based relief. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS or Department) appealed and the Board sustained the appeal, remanding the case to the IJ. On remand, Mr. Villegas Castro amended and supplemented his prior asylum application, which the IJ ultimately granted. Again, the Department appealed the court’s decision and the Board not only reversed the IJ’s decision but entered a final order of removal against Mr. Villegas Castro.

In a published decision, the 10th Circuit addressed three issues: (1) the scope of the IJ’s authority when the Board orders a remand; (2) the BIA’s failure to apply the correct standard of review to the IJ’s factual findings; and (3) the IJ’s discretion to reconsider eligibility for fear-based relief. On all three issues, the Court ruled in Mr. Villegas Castro’s favor, granting his petition for review and remanding his case back to the Board. The decision is a remarkable victory for Mr. Villegas Castro, who now has a pathway to remain in the United States with his family and community in Wyoming, and sets powerful precedents for immigrants in removal proceedings in the 10th Circuit.

Mr. Villegas-Castro was represented by a RMIAN attorney before the IJ and BIA and by the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) and pro bono counsel at Harry Larson and Dentons U.S. LLP before the 10th Circuit.

Just a month after this decision, on January 10th, 2022, the 10th Circuit published a second favorable decision in Takwi v. Garland. This case primarily focuses on credibility determinations. Mr. Takwi is an asylum-seeker from Cameroon who fled persecution due to his involvement in the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC), a political organization fighting against the marginalization of anglophone Cameroonians by the majority-francophone government. Mr. Takwi appeared pro se before the IJ while detained at the Aurora ICE Processing Center. Despite gathering and presenting his own evidence, the IJ denied his claim based on perceived inconsistencies between Mr. Takwi’s testimony and an affidavit from his brother. This decision was upheld by the BIA, which treated the IJ’s ruling as an adverse credibility determination and declined to consider corroborating evidence from seven other witnesses submitted in a concurrently filed motion to remand.

Mr. Takwi petitioned for review in the 10th Circuit, arguing that (a) the BIA should have afforded him a presumption of credibility because the IJ never made an explicit credibility determination, (b) caselaw does not allow an IJ to reject an applicant’s otherwise credible testimony based solely on errors in a family member’s affidavit, (c) the IJ failed to provide Mr. Takwi proper safeguards in light of conflicting medical evidence in the record, and (d) the BIA abused its discretion by ignoring the corroborating evidence.

In a unanimous decision, the 10th Circuit granted Mr. Takwi’s petition for review and ordered the Board to revisit its decision. Although the Court found no error in the IJ’s determination that Mr. Takwi was competent to proceed pro se, the Court held that the BIA had erred by failing to afford Mr. Takwi a presumption of credibility, which is required when an IJ does not make an explicit credibility determination. The Court noted that the reluctance to make clean determinations of credibility appears to be a “disturbing feature” in immigration cases nationwide, and that the IJ had not made an explicit finding in Mr. Takwi’s case. The Court explained: “An ambiguous finding, which leaves us guessing about whether the IJ came to her determination because the applicant was not credible, or for some other reason, cannot serve as an explicit adverse credibility determination”. The decision revives Mr. Takwi’s opportunity to seek relief and sets an incredibly helpful precedent for future litigants where this issue is presented.

Mr. Takwi was nearly deported before his case could be heard. A year ago, in January 2021, Mr. Takwi was rousted out of bed in the middle of the night and transferred from the ICE facility in Colorado to another site in Louisiana, where he was to be sent back to Cameroon along with other refugees on what journalists would call a “death flight.” In the eleventh hour, the 10th Circuit granted Mr. Takwi an emergency stay, stopping his deportation and allowing him to remain in the United States until his petition could be decided on the merits.

Mr. Takwi was represented by a RMIAN attorney before the BIA and by Jesse Witt of Frascona, Joiner, Goodman and Greenstein in Boulder before the 10th Circuit. Mr. Witt expressed thanks to those who supported him, stating “As someone with little prior experience in immigration law, I was grateful to have assistance from RMIAN and the Immigration Justice Campaign when drafting the briefs and preparing for oral argument. Taking this case pro bono was extremely rewarding and I encourage others with a civil litigation practice to consider volunteering their time through RMIAN.”

Congratulations to Mr. Villegas-Castro and Mr. Takwi, whose resilience in the face of injustice inspires us to keep fighting, and to their pro bono counsel for their tireless efforts. These victories would not have been possible without you.

---

Interested in taking a case or learning more? Visit our website or email probonodetention@rmian.org. Current cases in need of representation through RMIAN's Children's Program and Detention Program are available at the links provided.

We're Hiring: Accountant / Senior Accountant

The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal services to individuals in immigration detention and to children and their families throughout Colorado. 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.

RMIAN has an immediate opening for a full-time Accountant or Senior Accountant, depending on the candidate’s experience level. This position will report to RMIAN’s Director of Systems and is responsible for an array of accounting and finance duties including, but not limited to, managing monthly close procedures, processing payroll and SIMPLE contributions, day-to-day transactional processing of AP/AR, financial analysis and reporting, as well as budget creation. 

The ideal candidate is a highly organized individual with the ability to work independently while also being able to coordinate and collaborate with team members. This position is designed for an individual with at least 1-3 years and ideally 3-5 years or more of accounting or finance experience. This position requires extreme attention to detail and organization skills. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated passion for immigrant rights and/or social justice issues and is deeply committed to RMIAN’s mission.

Responsibilities:

Accounts Payable 

• Management of weekly Accounts Payable Process Including: 

• New Vendor Setup and W-9 Maintenance 

• Review invoices for accuracy, obtain approvals where necessary and input into the general ledger 

• Print checks, obtain signatures, mail checks, file all supporting documentation 

• Complete annual 1099 reporting for vendors/subcontractors with the IRS 

Accounts Receivable

• Management of monthly/quarterly Accounts Receivable Process Including:

• Gather time sheets from staff and receipts/bills to be charged to funding source

• Generate all invoices due to RMIAN from various external parties including clients, funders and government entities

• Actively follow up on outstanding invoices, including AR collections calls 

• Prepare and deposit accounts receivables and donor/grant checks including monitoring of bank account balances for accuracy 

Financial Statements / Month End Close Procedures 

• Manage month end close process to ensure accurate issuance of financial statements

  • Collaborate with RMIAN Departments to ensure close inputs are received accurately and timely 

  • Ensure accurate time reporting by RMIAN staff to support invoicing and payroll allocation 

  • Prepare/post all month end journal entries and financial activity (e.g., payroll, credit card, accrued revenue and expense, prepaids and depreciation)  

  • Review all GL accounts prior to close and reconcile all balance sheet accounts

• Maintain all accounting files and records including detailed receipts for credit card transactions 

• Support annual issuance of audited financial statements 

Budgeting / Financial & Grant Reporting

• Support the annual operating budget process, create financial models and input budget information into QB for reporting 

• Support preparation of budgets / financial reports for philanthropic and federal grants including new proposals and periodic reporting for existing donors 

• Support Monitoring/Analysis of spending by Donor, report to management as necessary including tracking of all grant outstanding balances and projected spending  

Payroll / SIMPLE 

• Ensure proper completion of timesheet records by RMIAN staff including monitoring and reporting on timesheet compliance 

• Review expense reports, confirm proper receipts and Manager approval 

• Process payroll, ensuring accurate calculation of wages, tax withholdings and deductions  

• Monitor personnel records within payroll system to track for wage and role changes 

• Complete SIMPLE contributions including employee + employer contributions

Key Competencies Needed for Success:

• Detail oriented with the ability to work independently on multiple tasks at once

• Organize documentation both electronically and physically

• Quality and accuracy driven

• Proficiency with QuickBooks 

• Proficiency with Excel skills, including functions such as lookups and pivot tables

• Ability to maintain an effective level of business literacy about the organization and apply a critical/analytical approach to business decisions 

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality on sensitive personnel and organizational matters

• Ability to engage in team meetings as a way to develop and leverage relationships within and across work groups to achieve results 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to prioritize activities and work in self-directed manner against tight deadlines in a team-oriented environment  

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Docs

• Diverse lived experiences and ability to honor and appreciate those of others

• Demonstrated appetite to engage with DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) work and/or conversations

• Demonstrated passion for the RMIAN mission and ability to deeply understand the complexities of the work that RMIAN is doing in the immigration system

• Preference for Accounting education/designation or previous experience

• Preference for experience with GAAP and general ledger accounting

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related field or the cumulative of related experience preferred 

• Non-profit experience preferred 

• At least 1-3 years of accounting experience required, 3-5+ years preferred

• RMIAN maintains a deep commitment to a mandate of care for our staff and communities, and thus requires vaccination for COVID-19, as well as adherence to social distancing, masking, and office occupancy protocols.

Location:

• This position is based out of RMIAN’s office located in Westminster, Colorado. RMIAN’s operations are primarily remote during the COVID-19 pandemic but subject to change over time. At this time, this role will require being physically in RMIAN’s office at least once or twice per week while working remotely other days.

Compensation:

• This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience;  the range is between $45,000-$60,000. Salary includes a generous benefits package, including excellent health insurance (100% covered by RMIAN), dental & vision insurance, life insurance, professional liability insurance, short-term disability insurance, eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s Simple IRA retirement plan (RMIAN matches 3%) and flexible spending plan. RMIAN provides professional development opportunities, and paid vacation time and sick leave. RMIAN also provides a sabbatical policy after five years of employment. 

If this profile calls to you, please send a tailored, authentic cover letter that explains (1) why this mission excites you; and (2) why this particular role is a great fit for you - along with your resume and list of references - to hr@rmian.org.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.  Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

RMIAN is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. RMIAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status or veteran status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment free from discrimination.

Joint Letter in Response to RMX 2.0 and Title 42 Continuation

We, the undersigned 242 organizations, write in dismay at the administration’s decision to expand the Remain in Mexico policy and deploy it in tandem with Title 42 in order to turn away to danger families and individuals who are seeking safety in the United States. Nearly eleven months since taking office, this administration continues to violate U.S. asylum law and evade U.S. treaty obligations by blocking and returning asylum seekers to places where their lives and safety are in peril. We urge the administration to terminate these harmful, illegal policies and ensure that people fleeing persecution and torture can request asylum and other protections at the border, including at ports of entry.

Undergraduate Legal Orientation Program Intern

Organizational Overview 

The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free immigration legal services and social services to adults in immigration detention and to children and their families across Colorado. RMIAN’s Detention Program provides legal and social service support to individuals held at the privately-owned civil immigration detention facility located in Aurora, Colorado. The Detention Program provides daily Know-Your-Rights presentations and case intakes through the Legal Orientation Program and also directly represents detained clients – often in collaboration with RMIAN’s social workers. RMIAN’s Detention Program also refers a large number of cases to volunteer attorneys through a robust pro bono referral program. 

RMIAN hosts an undergraduate student intern for the fall, spring, and summer terms to assist the Legal Orientation Program (LOP)

The LOP is a government-funded Know-Your-Rights program that seeks to educate and inform individuals detained at the Aurora immigration detention facility, providing information about rights in removal proceedings, court procedures, release options, and relief from removal. In addition to providing general information in a group setting, members of the LOP team also conduct individual intakes to screen cases for referral to volunteer pro bono counsel, as well as RMIAN direct representation staff attorneys. Additionally, the LOP team is responsible for providing comprehensive pro se support, including individual sessions and group workshops, to people facing deportation proceedings without the assistance of counsel. 

Internship Overview 

This is a part-time, unpaid internship to last for the duration of one term (timeframes listed below). The intern must be based near Denver, Colorado, and be willing to come to RMIAN’s office in Westminster, Colorado, at least one day per week, in accordance with local COVID-19 guidelines. Otherwise, this will be a remote position and the selected candidate will be expected to work from their personal laptop or computer.

Proposed terms for the intern position: 

Fall: 12-20 hours per week, from the end of August to the end of November 

Spring: 12-20 hours per week, from the mid-January to the end of April 

Summer: 20-30 hours per week, from mid-May to mid-August 

RMIAN is willing to alter the start and end dates as well as the exact number of hours but exercises a strong preference for the stated parameters. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

While this position is unpaid, RMIAN is happy to coordinate with your academic institution if course credit can be offered for participation in this internship or to certify work for any outside funding source. 

The Ideal Candidate: 

❖ Is an undergraduate or community college student 

❖ Is based near Denver, Colorado, and is willing to come to RMIAN’s office in Westminster at least once a week (while adhering to mask-wearing and social-distancing protocols) 

❖ Is proficient in English and Spanish (other language proficiency will also be considered)2 ❖ Is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is able to effectively and compassionately work with people from diverse backgrounds 

❖ Is interested in learning more about the US immigration system and/or non-profit organizations ❖ Is excited to innovate and streamline administrative processes and contribute to efficient workflow in a fast-paced environment 

Primary Intern Responsibilities: 

❖ Manage RMIAN’s Detention Hotline and work with LOP staff members to respond to calls ❖ Assist LOP staff members with tracking services provided to LOP participants and data entry ❖ Create case files for individuals who have participated in the LOP and who will be matched with a pro bono attorney 

❖ Prepare and create educational materials to be mailed to individuals detained by ICE in Colorado about the Immigration Court and available avenues for relief from deportation 

❖ Conduct factual research, including country conditions research to bolster asylum claims in Immigration Court 

❖ Assist staff attorneys and legal assistants with evidence gathering on behalf of LOP participants, including medical records 

Other Experiences/Training Opportunities Included: 

❖ Gain a nuanced understanding of the US immigration system, especially the detained setting ❖ Observe Immigration Court hearings and debrief with attorneys about their work 

❖ Fluency in Spanish or another language is not required for this position.

❖ Observe Know-Your-Rights presentations and orientation services provided remotely to people detained at GEO/ICE Facility in Aurora 

❖ Attend virtual lunches with attorneys, social workers, paralegals, or other staff members depending on your interests to gain insight into different career paths 

❖ Option to draft a writing sample for use in future job applications 

To apply for this internship, please complete the following: 

1. Send your resumé to Carly Howenstein (she/her)(chowenstein@rmian.org) and Laurel Klafehn (she/her) (lklafehn@rmian.org) 

2. In the subject line, write “LOP Internship Application - (Fall/Spring/Summer) Term” choosing the timeframe applicable to your application 

3. In the body of the email, please include short answers (a few sentences) to the following questions: 

a. How would this internship relate to your academic interests/professional goals? b. How do you incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into your day-to-day life? 

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible prior to the term that they would like to intern. As explained above, interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

RMIAN is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. RMIAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or veteran status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment free from discrimination. 

RMIAN is requiring all staff members who enter the office to wear a face mask. RMIAN is also limiting the number of individuals allowed to be present in the office at any given time to 10 people. RMIAN is tracking who visits the office on any given day and only allows a limited number of clients/outside visitors two days a week. More information on our current protocols is available upon request and may be discussed during an interview. Protocols are subject to change in response to evolving public safety guidelines as published by the CDC.

If you have any questions, please email Carly and Laurel (emails noted above). Thank you for your interest in interning with RMIAN! 

Visit us at www.rmian.org

Read RMIAN's Comment on the Biden Administration Proposed Rule

Today RMIAN submitted our Comment on the Biden Administration’s Proposed Rule codifying DACA into federal regulation! We support the intent of the proposed regulations, but we worry that it unjustly narrows DACA’s protections. We’ve suggested several critical changes, like: removing harmful language, eliminating the education and criminal history requirements, removing proposals that would narrow DACA like automatic termination, and allowing fee waivers.

DACAmented Americans are here to stay—and they deserve more than the current proposal!

Read RMIAN’s full comment to learn more.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE

Did you know:

• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner?

• 36.8% of Colorado women and 30.5% of Colorado men experience intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking in their lives.

• Immigrant women are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence and may feel trapped in abusive relationships because of immigration laws, language barriers, social isolation, and lack of financial resources.

Regardless of your immigration status, you can get help. Survivors of domestic violence can call RMIAN at (303) 433-2812 or visit our website at www.rmian.org to evaluate their immigration options.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 800-799-SAFE.

Resources:
https://assets.speakcdn.com/assets/2497/ncadv_colorado_fact_sheet_2020.pdf

https://www.dvawareness.org/sites/default/files/2019-06/Immigration&DV-TalkingPointsForm.pdf

National Celebrate Pro Bono Week

This week RMIAN celebrates Pro Bono Week. RMIAN has the immense privilege of working alongside a network of dedicated and passionate volunteer attorneys, translators, interpreters, service providers, community advocates, and many other incredible individuals who positively impact the lives of RMIAN clients and staff daily. Each year, RMIAN volunteers increase RMIAN's reach and ensure that hundreds of clients receive free legal representation, connections with critically needed supporter services, access to linguistically relevant services, and help spread the importance of access to legal services. The hard work and dedication of RMIAN's volunteers are empowering and demonstrate the truth behind RMIAN's founding principle: justice for immigrants means justice for all.

In honor of National Celebrate Pro Bono Week, we have asked some of our volunteers to share their experiences with RMIAN.

Debbie Cooper

Henry D. Hollithron

Natalie Petrucci

Kathryn Banuelos

National Celebrate Pro Bono Week: Natalie Petrucci

Natalie Petrucci

Pro Bono Attorney

Why do you volunteer with RMIAN?

Immigrants and asylum seekers deserve competent and compassionate representation. I seek to provide that representation to my clients and provide some connection and humanity within a system that so often dehumanizes our clients as they navigate the complexities of the immigration court and affirmative immigration systems. I chose to volunteer with RMIAN, specifically, because RMIAN staff share my values and are immensely helpful to volunteers. I learned how to become an immigration attorney at RMIAN and now I enjoy giving back. I hope to continue to volunteer for years to come. Also, RMIAN clients are just exceptional people and it's a joy to be a small part of their immigration stories.

What is a memorable moment you've had while volunteering with RMIAN?

Representing clients during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a struggle, but also a lesson in resilience. One of my best memories has been representing an unaccompanied minor in state court and before USCIS and the Denver Immigration Court all virtually. Preparing my client for our state court hearing over Zoom was the first time we got to "meet" face to face. It is a good reminder that young people are truly putting their trust in you, a strange adult volunteer, and in this case, we had never even met in person. Celebrating with families after state court proceedings is a joy for me when I used to represent unaccompanied children and SIJS applicants in person. Now, we get to do the same, just on the phone. While it is a bit different, the feeling is just as rewarding.

Why does this work matter to you?

This work is valuable because it changes lives for the better. I think as an attorney, it has also changed me for the better. When the world seems so tough and there is so much negativity going on, reflecting on the positive changes we can make and how we can apply our unique skills to help others is a positive outlet and way to keep fighting for what I believe the U.S. stands for - inclusion, freedom, and dignity for all.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Thank you to everyone at RMIAN for all that you do to support volunteers and clients alike!

National Celebrate Pro Bono Week: Kathryn Banuelos

Kathryn Banuelos

RMIAN Legal Intern

Why do you volunteer with RMIAN?

I volunteer with RMIAN because of the diverse work that they do to improve the lives of community members who need access to legal services. I enjoy working with a diverse group of people and learning every day about the ways that we can fight for immigrant rights in our community.

What is a memorable moment you've had while volunteering with RMIAN?

I think that going through training and meeting different members of the RMIAN team is a memorable moment for me. I enjoyed meeting many people who are so passionate about the work that they do, and have so much knowledge in immigration law.

Why does this work matter to you?

This work is valuable because being able to provide legal services to people who may not have been able to access them can be extremely empowering to families and individuals. I love to see when someone receives legal services from RMIAN and then continues to be connected with other community resources that are available. I have seen family members who are unsure about how to navigate the US legal system, and being able to open up access to forms of legal relief is incredible.

National Week of Action in Support of Black Migrants

Image from Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI)

In October, the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) called for a National Week of Action in Support of Black Migrants, with the goal to highlight how U.S. immigration policies impact black migrants. RMIAN joined efforts to bring awareness to the lived experience of Black migrants, calling on the Biden Administration to protect black migrants.

Black immigrants are disproportionately affected by immigration enforcement. Over-policing of Black communities results in the disproportionate detention and deportation of Black immigrants—who make up only 7% of non-citizens in the U.S., yet account for a full 20% of those facing deportation on alleged criminal offenses. While detained, Black immigrants are 6x more likely to be locked in solitary confinement—an act of punishment outlawed in many state prison systems yet continually used by ICE.

Over the last month, the world bore witness to the unconscionable images of U.S. border patrol agents whipping Black migrants. Amid these abuses, the Biden Administration pushed ahead with the deportations of around 10,000 Haitians and other Black asylum seekers at our border. The Administration continues to use Title 42 to expel individuals at our border, denying them their lawful right to seek asylum, despite public health experts publicly stating that there is no evidence this policy prevents the spread of COVID-19.

We encourage our friends and colleagues to read the articles and studies below on these issues and others facing Black migrants and to call on the Biden Administration to #DefendBlackImmigrants

Resources to learn more:

“There is a target on us”: The Impact of Anti-Black Racism of African Migrants at Mexico’s Southern Border | BAJI

Immigration and Blackness: What’s Race Got to Do With It? | American Bar Association

The State of Black Immigrants | BAJI

For Black Immigrants, Police and ICE Are Two Sides of the Same Coin | ACLU

Immigration is a Black Issue | American Friends Service Committee

National Celebrate Pro Bono Week: Henry D. Hollithron

Henry D. Hollithron

Pro Bono Attorney

Why do you volunteer with RMIAN?

I am a first-generation American whose mother interpreted in the immigration courts for nearly two decades. You could say I grew up both experiencing the benefits of the immigration laws and hearing about (or occasionally witnessing) the importance of quality legal representation for noncitizens. I now operate my own, full-time immigration practice, and I volunteer with RMIAN because I wholeheartedly agree with the founders' outrage that detained noncitizens and children, many of whom have come here after experiencing horrific mistreatment in their home countries and who seek only to live free, are daily forced to represent themselves in such a complex system where the deck is so severely stacked against them.

What is a memorable moment you've had while volunteering with RMIAN?

One recent incident from just a couple of weeks ago comes to mind. A man who came here after being brutally tortured by his government had lost an appeal I had helped him file with the Tenth Circuit. But while that appeal had been pending, I'd also assisted him with applying for a work permit. It arrived at my office, and we were able to get it to him the same day. Even though his long-term prospects are still bleak, he now at least has the ability to legally make a living and become self-sufficient. Amid the feelings that naturally followed when we received the Court's effective death sentence, it was nonetheless heartwarming to see his unalloyed joy when he received the permit. it helped us both remember that where there's life, there's always hope.

Why does this work matter to you?

Like all endeavors, especially legal ones, representation of RMIAN's clients does not come with a guarantee of success. It is easy to see the value of the work when you are able to help someone who has spoken out against a repressive regime and suffered for it gain asylum and the possibility of one day becoming an American citizen, or a child who survived parental abuse and abandonment take the first steps toward getting permanent residency. But even when each turn in a case leads only to another disappointing outcome, you can at least know that the client is not facing dire injustice alone. You know that the client has someone to provide regular contact from that part of American society that does acknowledge noncitizens' humanity, whether in or out of detention; someone to demand, through arguments that benefit from both conviction and sound analysis, justice from a massive federal apparatus that regards its victims solely as statistics; and someone who, when the going gets tough, will still be on the constant lookout for an ultimate, life-saving solution. In return, you are privileged to meet people from all corners of the world and all manner of backgrounds who are nonetheless united in their awe-inspiring courage and their solemn determination to stand for the right to be free in thought and deed.

Anything else that you would like to share?

Although I came to this work after a year of teaching myself the intricacies of immigration law, I have heard from many other volunteers who specialize in other, completely unrelated fields that the training resources available are more than sufficient to the task of gaining the competence to help those who so desperately need it. If there are reasons not to do this work, not being an immigration lawyer is certainly not one of them.

National Celebrate Pro Bono Week: Debbie Cooper

Debbie Cooper

Pro Bono Attorney

Why do you volunteer with RMIAN?

I volunteer with RMIAN because Colleen Cowgill, my main contact and mentor, and all of her colleagues and contacts with whom I have worked, are exceptionally kind, generous with their time, patient with my questions, well-informed, great teachers, responsive, and compassionate about my clients. While I came to this pro bono work with long experience in immigration detention advocacy and visitation, I had no experience representing immigration clients. This was not due to a lack of trying; over many years I had attempted to find opportunities to provide legal representation of detained immigrants like those I had visited, but without experience, the resources of a big law firm, or my own malpractice insurance, I’d had no success. Early last year, at the height of COVID, I found, on We The Action, an opportunity for training and pro bono work with The Civil Rights Education and Enforcement Center (CREEC) Immigration Detention Accountability Project, and CREEC connected me with RMIAN for client referrals and malpractice coverage. Although I am in New York and RMIAN and my clients are in Colorado, my remote work has been seamless. I have worked with five clients with varying levels of complexity and success, and Colleen and everyone else have always been there for advice, support, additional training, and encouragement. They have provided amazing interpreters, and the examination and analysis of an outstanding physician for a client with severe medical issues. Despite being stuck in the bureaucracy of an immigration system that is opaque, inhumane, and infuriatingly slow, I could not ask for a better volunteer experience than mine with RMIAN.

What is a memorable moment you've had while volunteering with RMIAN?

The most memorable moment was when I learned that one of my clients was released from detention! After so much heartache and discretionary, unjust denial with other clients, it was almost surreal to call the detention center one morning and be told that I could not talk with my client because he was in processing to be released. When I’ve spoken with him since, it’s like talking with a different person, with a different voice filled with optimism and relief, living a real-life, freely exploring his new surroundings, and trying to help his new friends who are still in detention. It’s inspiring!

Why does this work matter to you?

As an attorney, I am privileged to have skills that can help others beyond what they might be able to do for themselves. I am passionate about human and civil rights, and the justice and equity necessary to them. Immigration is among the closest to my heart, perhaps, in part, because three of my grandparents (and my other grandfather’s parents) were immigrants, with refugees among them. While so much must be done to make our immigration system fair and welcoming, its massive civil detention system is especially horrific. Human beings who have only been accused of violating, or even found to have violated, civil/administrative immigration laws, in a broken, overwhelmed system outside the due process of our judicial system, and have not been accused or convicted of a criminal offense, should not be incarcerated at all, much less in the current unaccountable, inaccessible, privately run warehouses that confine them. After two years of walking through a series of intimidating metal doors to sit in a prison-like visiting room to talk on phones through glass barriers with uniformed detained immigrants who were simply waiting for a court date, I was determined to do more to free them from this inhumanity and show them a better side to our country. I am tremendously appreciative of RMIAN for providing me the opportunity to do that.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I am so grateful to be a lawyer, to help uphold the rule of law and enable people to access their legal rights. Lawyers can do so much good if they want to, and there are so many people whose lives would be improved with their assistance. I’m thankful to RMIAN for enabling me to give what I can, and hope that enough other lawyers volunteer to help the many other immigrants in detention who desperately need their help. I’d be happy to talk with anyone who might want to know what’s involved. Thank you for this volunteer celebration!

RMIAN Honored at Colorado Lawyers Committee 2021 Awards

Today, RMIAN, alongside colleagues at Arnold & Porter, Lichter Immigration, and The Meyer Law Office, was nominated for the ‘Pandemic Heroes Award’ by the Colorado Lawyers Committee. RMIAN was nominated for its work in 2020 in filing a habeas petition, which sought the release of 14 medically vulnerable people held in immigration detention at the Aurora ICE Processing Center. The habeas action cited the severe risk the COVID-19 pandemic posed to the health and safety of those named in the petition. Several of the petitioners named in the petition were transgender women living with HIV, as well as individuals with medical vulnerabilities. In a huge victory, less than 24 hours after the petition was filed, 8 of the 14 individuals included in the petition were released from ICE custody. RMIAN was honored to be nominated for this award and to attend the celebration lifting up heroic pro bono efforts undertaken this year in Colorado.

RMIAN Joins the Call to End ‘Remain in Mexico’ and Other Harmful Policies at the Border

On October 16, dozens of immigration advocates walked out of a meeting with top Biden officials to protest the continued use of Trump-era border policies. The walkout was spurred after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ruling from a Texas judge that the Biden administration must re-instate the ‘Remain in Mexico Policy.’ The Biden administration has announced plans to renew efforts to end the policy and, in the meantime, will attempt to improve the safety of those impacted. However, since the policy’s implementation during the Trump administration, individuals who should have been, according to policy directives, excluded from MPP were still denied entry to the United States. Further, thousands of documented cases of kidnapping, torture, assault, rape, and family separation prove that there is no way to mitigate this program’s horrific, racist, and unlawful nature. While RMIAN and other advocates recognize the Biden administration’s intentions to find a way to terminate the ‘Remain in Mexico Policy,’ the administration has continually shown a disregard for asylum seekers through its defense of Title 42 and creation of a Dedicated Docket. RMIAN joined legal providers, law school clinics, and law firms and signed a letter urging the Biden administration to terminate ‘Remain in Mexico’, Title 42, and other harmful policies and take immediate steps to restore asylum at the border.

Read the letter below:

RMIAN-CBA Annual Immigration Law Training Announcement

This year, the administration change, COVID-19, a dedicated docket for family unity at the Denver Immigration Court, and precedential immigration decisions have created new opportunities and unique challenges for individuals in immigration proceedings. The need for legal representation is greater than ever. Join RMIAN’s team of dedicated and passionate pro bono attorneys in advocating for and providing free immigration legal services to Colorado immigrant adults held in immigration detention, children, and survivors of crime. 

This year’s annual training, a longstanding partnership between CBA-CLE and RMIAN, co-sponsored by the Colorado Bar Association Immigration Law Section, will take place virtually, on Friday, October 29, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and will count towards CLE accreditation in Colorado. This training is offered at a discounted rate of $75 for attorneys who sign up for a RMIAN pro bono case in the next year! For more information and to register, click the link below.

RMIAN volunteers with APDC and Lichter Immigration to support Afghans applying for Humanitarian Parole.

Following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover last month, hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals fearing for their lives and the lives of their families rushed to find a way out of the country. Among those seeking refuge are U.S. allies, women, children, journalists, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities. The Biden administration has pledged to resettle 65,000 Afghans in the United States by the end of the month, with nearly 37,000 arrivals ready to begin the process. On Wednesday, September 15, the administration announced the number of arrivals each state could expect to host, with Colorado slated to receive over 800 arrivals by the end of the month. 

To assist those seeking humanitarian parole, members of RMIAN's team are volunteering with Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC) and Lichter Immigration for their Afghan Assistance - Humanitarian Parole Program. RMIAN volunteers will work alongside APDC, Lichter Immigration, and other volunteers to oversee workshops, screen participants, and prepare application packets for Afghan participants preparing to apply for humanitarian parole. RMIAN is proud of the dedicated and thoughtful staff members volunteering their time to assist those facing this unimaginable crisis and encourages Coloradans to support newly arrived Afghans as they rebuild lives in the United States. If you would like to support critical resettlement services, access to health and mental health services, and legal services to evacuees as they navigate pathways towards permanency in the U.S., please consider donating to Colorado Afghan Evacuee Support Fund.

Treatment of Haitian Migrants at the Border

RMIAN condemns the cruel and inhumane treatment of Haitian asylum-seekers at our border. We call on the Biden administration to stop all deportation flights to Haiti and investigate the actions of Border Patrol agents in Del Rio.

CBP's response to those seeking protection is rooted in racism. The use of horses, whips and other mistreatment to round up Haitian refugees is unconscionable, and CBP must be held accountable.

image source: afp via gettyimages

Haitian migrants are refugees fleeing compounding crises, including a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The Biden Administration must stop all deportation flights immediately and terminate Title 42 to allow asylum-seekers their legal right to claim protection.

RMIAN participates in Detention Watch Network’s National Day of Action

“Immigration detention has proven to be both dangerous and unnecessary. It’s time for us to move away from the mass incarceration of the immigration context. We can reduce the harm of individuals and communities—while also ensuring that immigrants appear for their hearings—by instead investing in community-based support programs and appointed counsel.” - Jorge Loweree, RMIAN Board Member

On September 23, RMIAN participated in Detention Watch Network's National Day of Action. Despite campaign promises made by President Biden, the number of people in detention has increased significantly in the past year. People seeking safety in the United States are being deprived of liberty, separated from loved ones, and excluded from the community by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), all during the midst of a dangerous and deadly pandemic. 

RMIAN joined together with immigrant rights advocates from across the country to fight for freedom, opportunity, and dignity for detained immigrants and people seeking asylum. The fight for justice and access to due process and liberty must continue! #FreeThemAll 

Thank you to those who participated in the SIJS predicate order CLE

RMIAN would like to thank the Colorado Lawyers Committee for co-hosting a two-part training on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Predicate Orders in August and September 2021. SIJS provides a pathway to lawful permanent residence for immigrant children who cannot be reunified with one or both parents due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect. RMIAN would also like to thank our presenters, Kacie Mulhern, Staff Attorney, Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center, and Kathleen Glynn, Senior Associate Attorney, Grob & Eirich, LLC, for sharing their time and expertise. RMIAN would also like to thank our mentor attorneys who have volunteered their time to guide new volunteers through the state court process. RMIAN would also like to thank the many volunteers who volunteered to take a pro bono case from RMIAN through the training program. If you, or an attorney you know, are interested in representing a child pursuing Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, please contact probonochildrens@rmian.org.

Job postings

In May, the Biden administration announced that the Denver Immigration Court would receive a Dedicated Docket which will unfairly force certain asylum-seeking families through the asylum process on an expedited basis. To ensure that asylum-seeking families in Colorado are educated and informed about legal rights, court procedures, and relief from removal, RMIAN is hiring a Children’s Program staff attorney and legal assistant. Find out more about these positions below and please help us spread the word!

Children’s Program Staff Attorney

Children’s Program Legal Assistant

Bilingual Staff Social Worker

Detention Watch Network National Day of Action

Contact Colorado Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet to express your concern about continued immigration detention during an ongoing global pandemic and urge them to demand that ICE #FreeThemAll

“Immigration detention has proven to be both dangerous and unnecessary. It’s time for us to move away from mass incarceration in the immigration context. We can reduce the harm to individuals and communities—while also ensuring that immigrants appear for their hearings—by instead investing in community-based support programs and appointed counsel.”

— Jorge Loweree, RMIAN Board Member

In Fiscal Year 2019, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had custody of over 500,000 people in civil immigration detention. The US government detains people through a system of more than 200 jails across the country, with contracts with local government and private prison companies, such as GEO Group Inc, and CoreCivic. Though the number of people in detention decreased in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people remain locked up in detention facilities across the country. The number of people held in detention centers has increased by 78% since President Biden has taken office. According to ICE, as of 9/13/2021, there are 600 people in ICE detention with active COVID-19 cases.

The conditions of incarceration make containing the virus difficult. People are transferred between detention centers, and regulations (such as mask-wearing) are not mandated or uniform throughout the country.

“As a medical provider practicing to reduce health disparities in structurally marginalized individuals, I see how stress and deprivation of detention impacts health. I have witnessed a phenomenon of young individuals in detention develop high blood pressure, revealing an underlying process of accelerated aging resulting from arrest and accumulated traumatic experiences, mental health treatment hampered by treating traumatic experiences with drugs rather than compassion and understanding, and large outbreaks of COVID-19 that could have been prevented or alleviated with timely implementation of best practices and policies. There is an urgent need for humane immigration reform in the United States, one that reduces or eliminates detention as an engine of human suffering and deterioration of the human spirit.”

— Dr. Carlos Franco-Paredes, MD

RMIAN condemns the cruel and inhumane treatment of Haitian asylum-seekers at our border

RMIAN condemns the cruel and inhumane treatment of Haitian asylum-seekers at our border. We call on the Biden administration to stop all deportation flights to Haiti and investigate the actions of Border Patrol agents in Del Rio.

CBP's response to those seeking protection is rooted in racism. The use of horses, whips, and other mistreatment to round up Haitian refugees is unconscionable and CBP must be held accountable.

image source: afp via gettyimages

Haitian migrants are refugees fleeing compounding crises, including a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The Biden Administration must stop all deportation flights immediately and terminate Title 42 to allow asylum-seekers their legal right to claim protection.