Vera Institute of Justice’s Post

“The government is always represented by a trained attorney. But the immigrant is often in immigration court alone.” — Annie Chen, director of Vera’s Advancing Universal Representation initiative Right now, the need for attorneys in immigration court far exceeds availability. In Wisconsin alone, thousands of immigrants are in court without lawyers because they are not guaranteed the right to an attorney. The difference between having and not having an attorney is truly life-altering: studies show that immigrants with attorneys are five times more likely to be granted relief from deportation if they seek it. No one facing deportation should have to defend themselves in a highly complex area of the law against well-resourced government lawyers. That is why we need to establish a universal right to federally funded representation that will ensure nobody is deported simply because they can’t afford a lawyer. https://lnkd.in/euJSZsKi

A more humane immigration system remains possible.     The decision in Jose Franco Gonzalez’s case established a right to legal representation for immigrants with serious mental health needs in immigration custody in California, Washington, and Arizona. While his story is one of the few positive cases in the immigration space, there is still so much work that needs to be done to create a more humane immigration system.    To truly move towards justice, the right to legal representation must be extended to children and families in such proceedings. No one should have to defend themselves in a highly complex area of the law against well-resourced government lawyers. The #UnitedStates needs a universal right to federally funded representation.  https://lnkd.in/gcTswszb   

No one should be without proper representation. Studies have shown that people in immigration proceedings with legal representation are more likely to have positive outcomes than those without representation. We also know that most immigrants, especially those who are detained cannot afford an attorney. I agree that we need a universal right to federally funded legal representation.

“Legal service providers across the country are at capacity, unable to support people at risk of deportation who are struggling to defend their rights, remain with their families, and build safe and stable lives. To secure the safety of our communities, we must resource and build up legal infrastructure locally.” —Shayna Kessler, director of Vera’s Advancing Universal Representation initiative The SHIELD Act, a companion bill to the Fairness to Freedom Act, would do just that. It would help defend immigrant communities from the devastating impacts of deportation and provide immigration solutions that promote due process and keep families together. It is essential, in this moment—with nearly 4 million cases where people arefacing deportation in immigration court—that we prioritize common-sense reforms that update our outdated immigration system. https://lnkd.in/eCumTnFN

“Nobody should face the devastating consequences of detention or deportation without someone to defend them in court. The new Colorado Fiscal Institute report demonstrates the transformative impact that legal representation has on keeping families together and promoting economic stability.” —Liz Kenney, associate director for Vera’s Advancing Universal Representation Initiative    The Colorado Fiscal Institute’s new report, “Impacts and Benefits for Investing in Immigration Justice: Colorado Immigration Legal Defense Fund” highlights the urgent need to expand access to immigration defense services. The report underscores how the lack of legal representation is affecting immigrants facing deportation and costing Colorado’s state and local economies.     Read on for more on the Colorado Fiscal Institute’s findings and how we will continue to work with Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network and Mountain Dreamers to fight for universal representation: https://lnkd.in/dyyT9vjC

Recent changes in immigration policies have brought significant implications for deportation cases in Morristown, New Jersey. From shifts in enforcement priorities to restrictions on asylum seekers, these policies have reshaped the legal landscape for immigrants facing removal proceedings. Under the current administration, there's a focus on targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. This has led to heightened scrutiny and increased risk of removal for those with any criminal history. Contact The Scheer Immigration Law Group for experienced legal representation and support in defending your rights. Don't wait—reach out today to start your deportation defense journey. #MorristownImmigration #DeportationDefense #ImmigrantRights #LegalRepresentation #CommunitySupport

New Orleans immigrants’ rights advocates say that a bill in the Louisiana State Legislature aiming to outlaw. so-called “sanctuary cities” risks further straining already-tense relations between local law enforcement and immigrant communities in the city. And legal experts say the bill, if passed, would conflict with federal court orders restricting the New Orleans Police Department and Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office from directly participating in federal immigration enforcement. Late last month, the state Senate voted 26-11 to approve Senate Bill 208, sponsored by Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia. The bill would ban parishes and municipalities from adopting “sanctuary policies” meant to prohibit local law enforcement officials from investigating suspected civil immigration violations on behalf of federal agencies. The bill is now awaiting debate in the state House of Representatives. Read more below

This is an eye-opening article from TRAC about the percentage of immigrants that are represented by attorneys in immigration court. I'm glad to see that immigrants in Minnesota seem to fare better than those in other states (MN is in the top 10 for percentage of immigrants that are represented) - but some of these other figures are hard to grasp. A backlog of almost 3.3 million cases? As of Dec. 2023, only 30% of immigrants have legal representation? Pretty wild. It is hard to imagine trying to navigate a foreign legal system by yourself, often in a foreign language, as the life you and your family have been building hangs in the balance. https://lnkd.in/gsDvyta4

Navigating the Intersection of Criminal Justice and Immigration: Can a Record Lead to Deportation? For many immigrants, the American dream holds hope and opportunity. But for those with a criminal record, a shadow of uncertainty can linger: can a past mistake lead to deportation? The answer, unfortunately, is not simple. Whether a criminal record triggers deportation depends on several factors, including: 👉 The type of crime committed: Some offenses, like "aggravated felonies" and crimes involving moral turpitude, carry a high risk of deportation. 👉 The circumstances of the conviction: Juvenile offenses or convictions with long ago sentences may hold less weight. 👉 Immigration status: Green card holders and non-citizens alike face potential removal proceedings, albeit with nuanced differences. Navigating this complex legal landscape can be daunting. If you're an immigrant with a criminal record or know someone who is, remember: ✔ Seek legal counsel: An experienced immigration attorney can analyze your specific case and advise you on the best course of action. ✔ Understand the risks and potential consequences: Knowledge is power. Equip yourself with accurate information about how your record may impact your immigration status. ✔ Don't avoid immigration authorities: Open communication and proactive engagement can sometimes work in your favor. ✔ Explore options for relief: Depending on your circumstances, avenues like rehabilitation, pardons, or visas may be available. The intersection of criminal justice and immigration is a delicate one, demanding both legal expertise and personal resilience. By raising awareness and encouraging informed action, we can empower individuals facing this complex challenge to navigate the path towards a secure future. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let's create a space for open dialogue and support. For 1-on-1 consultations, don't hesitate to reach out: https://lnkd.in/gF5NrDat #immigrationlaw #criminaljustice #deportation #communitysupport #knowyourrights