2021 Immigrant Liberty Awards: Dare to Find the Light
August 19, 2021 | 5:45 pm | To Be Held Virtually
We invite you to become a sponsor for this year's Immigrant Liberty Awards, themed, "Dare to Find the Light". This virtual event will celebrate and honor the accomplishments of community leaders and activists who have made a difference in the lives of Colorado immigrants this past year. Please see the sponsorship levels below and contact RMIAN's Development and Communication Specialist Ryan Torres at rtorres@rmian.org or at (720) 254-8187 for more information. RMIAN is currently seeking auction items for this event as well!
Efren's Story
Efren is the youngest of 14 children and grew up in a home without enough resources to go around. As a young man, Efren moved to the United States and was a lawful permanent resident in 1970 until he was deported in 2019. Efren experiences a neurocognitive disorder, akin to dementia, and at age 74 he lives alone in an apartment his siblings have rented for him in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. He has no family in Mexico but resides near the border so that his loved ones are able to travel to see him.
RMIAN attorney Laura Lunn (pictured above with Efren) represented Efren before the Immigration Court where a judge denied his request for protection. That decision was affirmed by the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Tenth Circuit denied his petition for review. Nevertheless, he continues to dream of returning to the United States so that he can reunite with his brothers and sisters in Colorado. RMIAN continues to fight for Efren to have A Chance to Come Home.
RMIAN Welcomes Two New Board Members
Sasha Carlson, Board Member
A CPA certified in both Canada and the United States, Sasha Carlson is a Manager in Global Operations at EY. Previously, Sasha served as the Executive Director of the Association of Charted Accountants in the US, a nonprofit professional organization.
"I am delighted to serve on the Board of RMIAN. In today's uncertain and often unjust world, I am committed to serving others and to providing everyone with opportunities for a stable future. RMIAN provides hope and justice for so many. I am excited and proud to contribute to such a humanitarian organization," says Sasha.
Jorge Loweree, Board Member
Jorge Loweree is the Policy Director at the American Immigration Council where he directs the Council's administrative and legislative advocacy and leads the Council's efforts to provide lawmakers, policymakers, advocates, and the general public with accurate and timely information about the role of immigrants in the United States. Previously, Jorge spent ten years in various positions in the U.S. House of Representatives, most recently as Senior Counsel for Immigration Law and Policy for then-Rep. Jared Polis. Jorge was an Equal Justice America Fellow at RMIAN during law school. He grew up in Juarez, Mexico is a Spanish speaker.
"I have had the pleasure of collaborating with RMIAN for years and have witnessed first-hand the important role that the organization has played in the lives of thousands of immigrants and families. While the Biden administration has worked to signal a different approach to immigration enforcement, the reality is that detention numbers have increased by nearly50-percent since inauguration day, and RMIAN's work is more important than ever before. I am honored for the opportunity to contribute to its mission."
Spotlight on RMIAN's Services to Unaccompanied Children
In 2019, RMIAN began providing free legal and social services to unaccompanied immigrant children whom the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) began sheltering in Westminster, Colorado. Today, a RMIAN team, led by RMIAN Children's Program Senior Staff Attorney Georgina Olazcon Mozo. RMIAN Social Worker Katherine Valentin and RMIAN Legal Assistant Gina Rangel serve the dozen or so boys housed there at any given time.
The boys are between the ages of 14 and 17 and mostly hail from Central America. Many are indigenous in origin. Of the team's advocacy, Ms. Olazcon Mozo states, "We have seen quite a few children who are survivors of human trafficking, abuse, or persecution. Being able to help children who generally do not trust adults and have been abused by most adults in their lives is very important."
The RMIAN team advocates for the children's rights with the various agencies charged with administering their custody and legal cases. RMIAN staff provides Know Your Rights presentations, legal screenings, representation as counsel and as Friend of the Court in immigration hearings, release planning and advocacy, referrals upon release, and individualized attention based on the unique needs of each child.
"No child is in the exact same situation," Ms. Olazcon Mozo states. "The important thing is that we are there with them, constantly advocating.
Learn more about RMIAN's Children's Program here and RMIAN's Social Service Project here
Laura Lunn Awarded the American Immigration Lawyer Association - Colorado Chapter Pro Bono Service Award
RMIAN Detention Program Managing Attorney Laura Lunn was awarded the American Immigrant Lawyers Association - Colorado Chapter Pro Bono Service Award for the impact she has made on individual clients and their families, as well as on the systemic change and advocacy for individuals in detention.
This award is a testament to Laura's talent, determination, tireless advocacy, and fearless lawyering. Laura, it is a privilege for all of us here at RMIAN to work alongside and learn from you.
Congratulations!
RMIAN Welcomes Staff Attorney Conor Gleason
RMIAN welcomes Conor Gleason as a staff attorney in RMIAN’s Detention Program. Conor comes from RMIAN from the Bronx Defenders in New York City and will continue his work by providing essential legal representation to individuals in immigration detention in Colorado.
“I am humbled and honored to join the RMIAN family. I am thrilled to be a part of RMIAN’s growth and commitment to fighting for justice and the dismantling of the systems that continue to oppress BIPOCs and low-income communities.”