April Newsletter
Announcing RMIAN’s 2021 Immigrant Liberty Awards!
Save the date for the 2021 Immigrant Liberty Awards. Award recipients, program, and registration coming soon. We hope to see you there!
RMIAN Creates Change Through Legislation
Support HB21-1194 to Create a CO Immigrant Legal Defense Fund!
In recent years, RMIAN has worked with Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC), Colorado state legislators, and other immigrant rights organizations in the fight for universal representation through the creation a Legal Defense Fund for Colorado immigrants facing deportation.
On April 1, RMIAN Detention Program Senior Staff Attorney Sarah Plastino and RMIAN client Catalino Alvarado were among those who provided critical and powerful testimony that helped HB21-1194 pass the committee stage and move to the House Appropriation Committee.
We thank Rep. Kerry Tipper, Rep. Naquetta Ricks, and Sen. Dominic Moreno for sponsoring this bill, and ask that you too support this bill!
Click the button below to show your support and help create a Legal Defense Fund!
HB21- 1060 Passes, Creating CO U Visa Certification Process!
On April 21, 2021, RMIAN celebrated the passage of the U Visa Certification Requirements Bill (HB21-1060) in the Colorado Senate! The bill already passed in the Colorado House of Representatives, and once signed by the Governor, will take effect September 1, 2021.
In order to apply for a U visa—a pathway towards lawful permanent residency for immigrant survivors of crime—an individual must receive a certification from law enforcement verifying the person's victimization and helpfulness in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Colorado victims have been subjected to inconsistent policies across the state, unfairly preventing them from applying for a U visa. HB21-1060 will ensure uniformity and fairness for U Visa certification requests for crime victims across the state. Lucia's story (below) shows the profound impact this bill will have in Colorado.
RMIAN Client Lucia and Her Two Daughters Granted U Visa Status
HB21-1060 will help survivors like Lucia* who suffered severe domestic violence at the hands of her former partner. With RMIAN's help, Lucia received the required law enforcement certification in 2015, and she and her daughters were recently awarded U visas after six years. Lucia and her children are now safe from deportation and on a pathway to Lawful Permanent Residence in the United States!
*Lucia's name has been changed to protect her confidentiality
Responding to the Pandemic
RMIAN's Detention Program has continued to work tirelessly to protect the health and wellbeing of people detained in the Aurora ICE facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team has pivoted to providing robust remote services, and advocated for the release of dozens of individuals with COVID-19 risk factors. “Collaborations with health professionals have been instrumental in advocating for release for the folks most vulnerable to severe illness and death from COVID-19,” says Jennifer Regier, RMIAN Equal Justice Works Fellow, sponsored by Pfizer, Inc.
Moreover, in February, RMIAN and a coalition of medical professionals sent a letter urging Colorado to prioritize COVID-19 vaccinations to individuals in immigration detention, given their high-risk status. And this month, RMIAN is relieved to see that individuals detained in the Aurora facility began receiving COVID-19 vaccinations.
RMIAN will continue collaborating with health professionals to demand safety for our communities.
Ashley Harrington Awarded the Sean May Award for Outstanding Leadership
RMIAN Children's Program Managing Attorney Ashley Harrington was awarded the 17th Judicial District Sean May Award for Outstanding Leadership in Victim Services for her tireless work on behalf of immigrant child and family crime victims who are pursuing justice and protection in the United States.
We are impressed by Ashley's dedication to justice, her extreme empathy and compassion for the families and children she serves, her ability to lead legislation that has far-reaching impacts throughout Colorado and beyond, and her mentorship to hundreds of pro bono attorneys and aspiring law students. Congratulations, Ashley!
RMIAN is the recipient of a grant through Caring for Denver Foundation that will support the Social Service Project's work with youth and young adults who are residents of the city and county of Denver and in need of mental health support and services. Thank you, Caring for Denver for your recognition of RMIAN's work, we look forward to all that we can do with your support!
Volunteer Attorneys Needed to Help Asylum Seekers
In the past weeks, RMIAN has seen an increase in arrivals, primarily asylum-seekers from Brazil, at the Aurora detention facility. We are seeking pro bono attorneys to prepare these individuals for credible fear interviews (CFIs).
This is a limited scope opportunity for attorneys to meet with clients, explain the process, and assist them in preparing for their interviews. Attorneys are not required to enter an appearance on the case. This opportunity is fully remote, as CFI preps can be handled telephonically. RMIAN is happy to provide resources and support to attorneys working on these cases.
To volunteer or learn more, email RMIAN Pro Bono Coordinator Collen Cowgill at ccowgill@rmian.org. We expect this to be an ongoing need, so please reach out even if you are not available immediately.
We're Hiring!
RMIAN is currently hiring for the following positions: