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?