Vera Institute of Justice’s Post

“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

Deportation Defense: Key Legal Strategies and Rights for Immigrants Navigating the complex landscape of deportation defense can be daunting for immigrants facing the threat of removal from the United States. It is essential to understand the various legal strategies available and know your rights as an immigrant. This comprehensive guide will delve into effective defense tactics, illustrate real-world examples, compare different legal systems, and provide a detailed breakdown of the legal consequences associated with deportation. Understanding Deportation Defense Deportation defense encompasses various legal strategies aimed at preventing the removal of an individual from the country. These strategies often involve presenting a compelling case to immigration judges, highlighting factors that warrant the cancellation of removal orders, or seeking asylum. The complexity of immigration law necessitates the expertise of a knowledgeable deportation lawyer. Common Grounds for Deportation Immigrants can face deportation for numerous... #avoidingdeportation #deportationappeal #deportationdefense #deportationlawyer #deportationlegalhelp #fightingdeportation #immigrantprotection #immigrantrightslawyer #ImmigrationLaw #immigrationrights #legaldefenseforimmigrants #LegalStrategies

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.

With universal representation immigrants in detention are 10Xmore likely to secure their right to stay in the #US and non-detained individuals are more likely to have a favorable outcome in immigration court. That is why New York must increase funding for immigration legal services and pass the Access to Representation Act. To pave the way for a more inclusive, just, and resilient New York, we and our CARE for Immigrant Families coalition are advocating for a $150 million investment in immigration legal services that will support newly arriving individuals and longtime residents. #NewYork must continue to lead the way in addressing the complexities of immigration law and ensure all New Yorkers can thrive in their communities. https://lnkd.in/efXpxby3 #UniversalRepresentation #ImmigrantsRightsAreHumanRights

“All people deserve fairness and freedom, and we urge Congress to improve the antiquated U.S. immigration system by expanding legal pathways to citizenship, improving immigration case processing, and investing in universal legal representation to ensure that all children, adults, and families facing immigration proceedings are treated with dignity and have full access to due process.” —Nick Turner, President of the Vera Institute of Justice    Today, more than a year after the Fairness to Freedom Act was introduced by United States Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Cory Booker, and U.S. Representatives Norma Torres, Pramila Jayapal, and Grace Meng, we gathered on Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to support this bill and establish a federal right to legal representation for all immigrants facing deportation.     The Fairness to Freedom Act is a solution that would help millions. With rising high stakes for immigrant communities and anti-immigrant proposals and rhetoric, it is essential that Congress   meet the moment and build a future where all people in the United States receive fair treatment under the law, no matter where they were born.     #UniversalRepresentation #Uniting4URep    https://lnkd.in/eP6qVtZN  

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   

“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

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

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

Amidst challenges like finding housing and steady employment, people seeking safety in the U.S. also face the daunting task of navigating the complicated legal system to complete their 1-year deadline to apply for asylum. In an interview with ABC 7 Chicago, NIJC Pro Bono Manager Ellen Miller and NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy explained the importance of this upcoming application deadline for asylum seekers and the current need for more pro bono attorneys to help. "If you don't apply within one year of arriving, you miss your opportunity to apply. That's what the law says," said Miller. "If you don't comply with your immigration requirement, you could face deportation," said McCarthy. "People are traumatized. They need some time to decompress and make sure they are safe, but at the same time, don't lose sight that they have an immigration case." Watch the full interview with ABC 7 below. Attorneys looking to help can learn how here: https://lnkd.in/eEVggqN.