Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund receives more money to help a community in desperate need

Free Webinar: Representing Asylum-Seekers at the Aurora Immigration Court

It is our pleasure to invite you to a free webinar on Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. MST hosted by RMIAN and the Immigration Justice Campaign:

Detention Trends, Fear-Based Relief, and Practical Tips for Representation before the Aurora Immigration Court

With changes to border policy, more and more people are being detained by the Biden Administration upon arrival in the United States. Given the increase in detained asylum seekers, there is an ever-growing need for pro bono representation of people who fear persecution and torture in their countries of origin and who are ineligible for release from detention. Join us on March 30th for a free webinar to learn more about detention trends and how you can help. There will be a review of withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture, as well as practical tips for in-person and remote representation before the Aurora Immigration Court.

1 general CLE credit pending. Register here.

Please take a moment to share with your networks and consider a detained pro bono case through RMIAN! Limited scope matters available! People detained in Aurora need pro bono representation for bond, parole, merits (including limited scope matters like I589 assistance), and BIA appeals. As a reminder, RMIAN and the Immigration Justice Campaign provide expert mentorship, document review, and sample filings.

RMIAN Social Services Project Director Promotes Value of Immigration Case Management

For well over a decade, Megan Hope has provided social services to immigrants who require assistance navigating the challenges of being detained in Colorado, resettling in a new community, and finding stability after a period of significant flux. Megan has advocated on behalf of countless individuals and is an expert in her field. Now, she uses her unique lens to lift up the need for a system change that includes wrap-around social services for migrants rather than continuing down the path of detaining people in dehumanizing and abusive facilities. Read the full piece on Colorado Newsline.

Summer 2023 Legal Internships

RMIAN is offering two full-time, paid summer internships for current law students during Summer 2023. Interns will:

• Gain practical, hands-on knowledge about the immigration legal system and its intersection of other legal fields

• Work closely with staff in the Children’s Program or Detention Program

• Observe and/or participate in hearings before the Denver or Aurora Immigration Courts

• Experience the work environment in a nonprofit legal services organization

Location: Westminster, Colorado

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Duration: at least 10 weeks between May and August

Compensation: $5,000 stipend (subject to withholding)

RMIAN is committed to providing educational opportunities for law students interested in pursuing professions in the field of immigration advocacy.

For more information about legal internship opportunities at RMIAN, including how to apply, click here.

RMIAN Featured in Denver Gazette/Colorado Politics Town Hall on Immigration

RMIAN’s Director of Advocacy & Litigation, Laura Lunn, spoke to members of the greater Denver community during a Town Hall on Immigration on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. She appeared alongside University of Colorado Law professor, Violet Chapin, the Director of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Office for Human Rights & Community Partnerships’ (HRCP) at the City of Denver, Atim Otii, and Denver Gazette reporter Nico Brambila. The convening was organized in response the the recent influx of migrants to the Denver area and drilled down on the push and pull factors drawing people to the region.

Throughout the conversation Laura emphasized RMIAN’s commitment to creating a welcoming space for the community it serves and highlighted the importance of legal representation. “An estimated 70% of those in immigration proceedings do not have an attorney, Lunn said, adding individuals with a lawyer are 10 times more likely to win their immigration case.” RMIAN is committed to serving people in need of legal guidance and representation, recognizing that in addition to the increased chance of success, RMIAN’s staff members provide people with respect, dignity, and hope.

Click here to read the full story and watch the Town Hall.

Shaleen Morales, RMIAN Universal Representation Staff Attorney Speaking at American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Conference in Colorado

RMIAN’s expertise in the realm of immigration detention will be front and center at the AILA Colorado Chapter Annual Conference, “Resistance to Subsistence: Policy Updates from Trump to Biden & How We Can Advocate for Meaningful Reform,” taking place on Friday, February 10, 2023 at University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. Click here for more information on how to register.

RMIAN's Social Services Project works with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) to educate community members on how to support and welcome newly arriving migrants

Join RMIAN and AFSC to learn how to support people detained in immigration custody, assist them with planning their release, and accompany them as they settle into our community. RMIAN’s Social Services Project Director, Megan Hope, and Social Worker, Cindy Schlosser, will be leading the training, which will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 6-7:30pm MST. Register here.

Rocky Mountain PBS Highlights RMIAN's Impact

RMIAN’s Emily Brock, Children’s Program Deputy Managing Attorney, and Conor Gleason, Detention Program Senior Staff Attorney, speak to Rocky Mountain PBS about the challenges migrants face when they stare at a legal system stacked against them and the difference attorneys can make in overcoming such barriers.

RMIAN Staff Members Speak Out About the Value and Importance of Universal Representation for Noncitizens in Removal Proceedings

Check out what Shaleen Morales, Universal Representation Staff Attorney and Carly Howenstein, Legal Advocate, had to say when they appeared on Hear, Allà, Presente. Use the QR code below to listen!

Deputy Managing Attorney of RMIAN's Children's Program Speaks Out Against the Treatment of Asylum Seekers in the Denverite

Emily Brock, the Deputy Managing Attorney of RMIAN’s Children’s Program, spoke to Kevin Beaty from the Denverite about her experience serving families subjected to the Dedicated Docket. RMIAN stands in stark opposition of this policy, which fast tracks immigration cases of families from around the world, with the exception of Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, with completion goals of 300 days after their initial hearings. This expedient timeline is a barrier to accessing legal counsel, and as a result, families on the Dedicated Docket have much lower success rates than other asylum seekers even though many of them have strong legal claims for asylum.

RMIAN is Honored to Receive the Professional Resource of the Year (IVLP) Award from WorldDenver

RMIAN was honored to receive the Professional Resource of the Year (IVLP) Award from WorldDenver for the impact our work makes on our community.

WorldDenver is a nonprofit community organization that promotes a greater understanding of world affairs and cultures throughout the Denver Metro area, creating and implementing unique programs that connect Coloradans with experts, leaders, and ideas from across the globe. In honor of WorldDenver’s 10 year anniversary, it honored 10 community partners this year who have made a significant impact on WorldDenver and its ability to build global understanding and cross-cultural ties.

"The highly qualified and impressive participants from around the world posed challenging questions that fostered deep thinking about how to address injustices of human trafficking and prison/detention conditions locally and globally."

- Caleb Stewart, Senior Staff Attorney, Anti-Human Trafficking Project

Today is Colorado Gives Day! Will you join RMIAN in fighting for justice?

As an early teen in Nicaragua, Sam* sought the support of a religious-based youth organization as an alternative to the gangs that frequented his neighborhood. Because of their religious beliefs, Sam and others in his organization spoke out against atrocities committed by the president of his home country. In response to their call for change, the organization’s gathering place was attacked by soldiers, littering the walls with bullets. Sam survived by hiding in a closet, shielding younger members of the organization.   

Sam fled to the United States, where he was welcomed by a Colorado church and parishioners who served as his guardians. RMIAN helped establish custody for his guardians when Sam was 19 years old. RMIAN continued to represent Sam in his application for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), a protection for youth who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. With SIJS, Sam is on the pathway toward lawful permanent residency and no longer fears deportation. Sam calls the day he received news of his approval the best day of his life.   

Although SIJS protections exist pursuant to federal law, state court proceedings dictate who qualifies for this benefit.  

In March of 2019, Colorado House Bill 19-1042 expanded state court jurisdiction in custody and guardianship proceedings for youth who are dependent on a caretaker, increasing the minimum age from eighteen to twenty-one. RMIAN was one of many key partners who shaped and drafted this important legislation.  

Sam was able to access SIJS protection not only because he had access to legal representation through RMIAN's Children's Program but because HB19-1042 was signed into law. Because of RMIAN's efforts in 2019, a broader swath of youth across the State of Colorado can seek permanent residence under SIJS.  

RMIAN is at the forefront of groundbreaking advocacy and litigation like HB19-2041. In 2021, RMIAN was a fundamental partner in creating Colorado's Immigration Legal Defense Fund and improving access to U visa protection for immigrant survivors of crime, and in 2022, RMIAN helped ensure eligibility to state courts for unaccompanied minors. 

RMIAN's work has a critical impact on the communities we serve. In 2022, RMIAN provided an unprecedented number of clients with free immigration legal services, including "Know-Your-Rights" education, individual client intakes, direct legal representation, and referral to pro bono representation.*  

Will you donate today and help ensure access to these critical services for Colorado immigrants?  

Governor Polis Urges Congress to Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform & Protection for Dreamers

RMIAN Grieves in the Aftermath of the Club Q Shooting Targeting LGBTQ+ Community Members

RMIAN deeply mourns the lives lost and the devastation for so many at the horrific mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs on Saturday, November 19th. Anti-LGBTQ violence in all its forms destroys our communities and must end. RMIAN will always stand alongside and support the LGBTQ+ community.

RMIAN shares the following resources from One Colorado for those impacted in the immediate aftermath:

https://one-colorado.org/new/shooting-in-colorado-springs-lgbtq-club/

Transgender Week of Awareness | November 13 - November 19

Transgender Week of Awareness

RMIAN proudly joins organizations and individuals across the country to participate in Transgender Awareness Week this November 13-19, 2022. This week leads to the annual observance on November 20th for Transgender Day of Remembrance, to honor the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of transgender violence.

Despite incredible strength and resilience, the transgender community is often under attack and marginalized. RMIAN stands up against this hatred, discrimination, and bigotry. RMIAN celebrates our transgender clients, community members, and loved ones, and works every day to fight for the rights, protection, and recognition of all.

During this week, RMIAN calls on Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. government, to immediately end the imprisonment of transgender individuals in immigration detention across the United States. We know that transgender individuals in immigration detention face disproportionate harm, including discrimination, inhumane conditions, abuse, prolonged detention, a lack of safety, and a lack of access to basic needs and medical care. 

This week—and every day—RMIAN re-affirms its deep commitment to advocating for the rights of transgender individuals.

We invite you to consider donating to one of the following organizations:

One Colorado: Reduces barriers experienced by transgender Coloradans and their families through advocacy, policy, and education. 

Transformative Freedom Fund: Supporting the authentic selves of transgender Coloradans by removing financial barriers to transition-related healthcare.

Colorado Name Change Project: Helps you better understand and navigate the process of changing your name and/or your gender marker.

RMIAN Holds ICE to Account by Filing FOIA About the Death of Melvin Calero Mendoza

On October 13, 2022 Melvin Calero Mendoza, age 36, died while in ICE custody in Aurora. To date, the details provided by ICE are sparse and leave more questions than answers. That's why earlier today, RMIAN filed a Freedom of Information Act Request (FOIA) seeking records from ICE that might help explain what led to his sudden passing.

Detention sequesters people out of the public eye. RMIAN is dedicated to shedding light on the circumstances that resulted in Melvin Calero Mendoza's death.

Free CLE webinar 11.2 on Difficult Conversations in Pro Bono

Pro Bono Best Practices Part 4: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Pro Bono Attorneys

Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST

Format: Free CLA Webinar via Beacon Live

Immigration is an exciting area of law that offers a range of ways for pro bono attorneys and volunteers to get involved and work directly with clients, from court appearances to filing forms to one-time legal clinics. Most of the time, representation in immigration cases consists of lawyers and clients working together harmoniously towards a common goal. This virtual training will provide information, considerations, and insights about what happens when that relationship changes and difficult conversations must be had between attorney and the person coordinating or supervising the pro bono relationship.

The presentation aims to deliver tailored guidance for supervising attorneys navigating situations that may alter the original attorney/client dynamic and how to support the pro bono attorney or volunteer during the transition.  

The ABA will seek 1 hour of CLE credit in 60-minute states, and 1.2 hours of CLE credit for this program in 50-minute states. Credit hours are estimated and are subject to each state’s approval and credit rounding rules. CLE credit will be given to live attendees only.

Speakers:

• Becky Wolozin- Director, George Mason University ASLS Immigration Litigation Clinic; and Senior Attorney, Immigrant Justice Program, Legal Aid Justice Center

• Emily B. Brock- Senior Staff Attorney, Children’s Program, Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network

• Nareeneh Sohbatian- Immigration Pro Bono Managing Attorney, Winston & Strawn 

Moderator:

• Marissa LaVette- Assistant Staff Counsel, ABA Center for Pro Bono

  Register HERE: https://www.americanbar.org/events-cle/mtg/web/427059176/

Rep. Crow and Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper are calling for an indepdenent investigation of the death of Melvin Ariel Calero Mendoza

Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network applauds Rep. Crow, Sen. Bennet, and Sen. Hickenlooper on taking swift action on calling for an independent investigation of the events leading up to the death of Melvin Ariel Calero Mendoza, who passed away while in ICE custody on October 13, 2022.

Melvin's death marks the fourth in DHS custody this year and he is the third person to lose their life while detained in the private prison owned and operated by GEO Group, Inc. in Aurora, Colorado. People should not lose their lives while being incarcerated awaiting civil immigration proceedings.

The letter requests that the DHS Office of Inspector General and ICE Office of Professional Responsibility "independently investigate Mr. Calero-Mendoza’s death and make the results of the investigations publicly available" to increase transparency regarding the inner workings of an agency that acts behind locked doors.

DHS is a rogue agency that often acts with impunity. Until we #FreeThemAll and end the practice of immigration detention in the United States, additional oversight is needed.

Mourning the Loss of Melvin Ariel Calero Mendoza, Who Died in the Custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 13, 2022

PRESS RELEASE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN IMMIGRANT ADVOCACY NETWORK

AMERICAN IMMIGRATION LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, COLORADO CHAPTER

Westminster, Colorado

October 17, 2022

Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Colorado Chapter Mourn the Loss of Melvin Ariel Calero Mendoza, Who Died in the Custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 13, 2022

Melvin Ariel Calero Mendoza was not with the ones that he loved when he passed away last Thursday morning. Melvin, who was only 39 years old, died while being imprisoned in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Melvin fled Nicaragua due to fear of persecution and death. He sought asylum in the United States, a right to which he was entitled under national and international law. Melvin had good reason to flee Nicaragua—the U.S. Department of State reports that President Ortega’s regime is responsible for mass human rights violations, including “unlawful or arbitrary killings, including extrajudicial killings” and “forced disappearances.” Despite this compelling context, ICE did not parole Melvin into the country like so many other asylum seekers fleeing political turmoil and violence. Instead, ICE incarcerated him for the last six months of his life in a prison where he had no right to court-appointed counsel, was forced to wear a prison jumpsuit, could not benefit from contact visitations, and did not have access to outdoor space.1

Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Colorado Chapter mourn Melvin’s needless loss. The system in which he was detained has a lengthy record of inflicting harm on the people it imprisons.2 RMIAN calls for an end to the use of immigration detention so that people can pursue their legal rights while living freely in and enriching our communities.

Media Inquiries

RMIAN:

Laura Lunn, Director of Advocacy & Litigation, (720) 370-9100, llunn@rmian.org

Monique Sherman, Detention Program Managing Attorney, (720) 738-3220, Msherman@rmian.org

AILA Colorado Chapter:

Petula McShiras, AILA Colorado Chapter Chair, (303) 872-6985, co.aila.chair@gmail.com

…

1 Office of Inspector General Report, Acting Inspector General John V. Kelly, “Concerns about ICE [] Treatment [of Detained Persons] and Care at Four Detention Facilities,” (Jun. 3, 2019) available at: https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2019-06/OIG-19-47-Jun19.pdf.

2 See AIC 2022 Complaint, “Re: Violations of ICE COVID-19 Guidance, PBNDS 2011, and Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at the Denver Contract Detention Facility, (Feb. 11, 2022) available at: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/research/complaint_against _ice _medical_neglect_people_sick_covid_19_colorado_facility_complaint1.pdf; AIC/AILA 2019 Complaint, “Supplement—Failure to Provide Adequate Medical and Mental Health Care to Individuals Detained in the Denver Contract Detention Facility,” (Jun. 11, 2019) available at: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/general_litigation/complaint_supple ment_failure_to_provide_adequate_medical_and_mental_health_care.pdf; AIC/AILA 2018 Complaint, “Failure to Provide Adequate Medical and Mental Health Care to Individuals Detained in the Denver Contract Detention Facility,”2 (Jun. 4, 2018) available at: http://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ general_litigation/complaint_demands_investigation_into_inadequate_medical_and_mental_health_c are_condition_in_immigration_detention_center.pdf

Self Care Space - DACA

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Denver Children’s Advocacy Center, and UndocuHub are offering a safe place to connect, heal, and support one another following the 5th Circuit Court's decision about DACA.

The event will take place Wednesday, October 12, at 6 pm MST. Please be sure to share this resource and register to join.

LINK TO JOIN:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItceqqrTspHtGiMGZ7zxpzDvlmMbrqqWug