Rep. Crow and Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper are calling for an indepdenent investigation of the death of Melvin Ariel Calero Mendoza

Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network applauds Rep. Crow, Sen. Bennet, and Sen. Hickenlooper on taking swift action on calling for an independent investigation of the events leading up to the death of Melvin Ariel Calero Mendoza, who passed away while in ICE custody on October 13, 2022.

Melvin's death marks the fourth in DHS custody this year and he is the third person to lose their life while detained in the private prison owned and operated by GEO Group, Inc. in Aurora, Colorado. People should not lose their lives while being incarcerated awaiting civil immigration proceedings.

The letter requests that the DHS Office of Inspector General and ICE Office of Professional Responsibility "independently investigate Mr. Calero-Mendoza’s death and make the results of the investigations publicly available" to increase transparency regarding the inner workings of an agency that acts behind locked doors.

DHS is a rogue agency that often acts with impunity. Until we #FreeThemAll and end the practice of immigration detention in the United States, additional oversight is needed.

Mourning the Loss of Melvin Ariel Calero Mendoza, Who Died in the Custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 13, 2022

PRESS RELEASE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN IMMIGRANT ADVOCACY NETWORK

AMERICAN IMMIGRATION LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, COLORADO CHAPTER

Westminster, Colorado

October 17, 2022

Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Colorado Chapter Mourn the Loss of Melvin Ariel Calero Mendoza, Who Died in the Custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement on October 13, 2022

Melvin Ariel Calero Mendoza was not with the ones that he loved when he passed away last Thursday morning. Melvin, who was only 39 years old, died while being imprisoned in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Melvin fled Nicaragua due to fear of persecution and death. He sought asylum in the United States, a right to which he was entitled under national and international law. Melvin had good reason to flee Nicaragua—the U.S. Department of State reports that President Ortega’s regime is responsible for mass human rights violations, including “unlawful or arbitrary killings, including extrajudicial killings” and “forced disappearances.” Despite this compelling context, ICE did not parole Melvin into the country like so many other asylum seekers fleeing political turmoil and violence. Instead, ICE incarcerated him for the last six months of his life in a prison where he had no right to court-appointed counsel, was forced to wear a prison jumpsuit, could not benefit from contact visitations, and did not have access to outdoor space.1

Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Colorado Chapter mourn Melvin’s needless loss. The system in which he was detained has a lengthy record of inflicting harm on the people it imprisons.2 RMIAN calls for an end to the use of immigration detention so that people can pursue their legal rights while living freely in and enriching our communities.

Media Inquiries

RMIAN:

Laura Lunn, Director of Advocacy & Litigation, (720) 370-9100, llunn@rmian.org

Monique Sherman, Detention Program Managing Attorney, (720) 738-3220, Msherman@rmian.org

AILA Colorado Chapter:

Petula McShiras, AILA Colorado Chapter Chair, (303) 872-6985, co.aila.chair@gmail.com

…

1 Office of Inspector General Report, Acting Inspector General John V. Kelly, “Concerns about ICE [] Treatment [of Detained Persons] and Care at Four Detention Facilities,” (Jun. 3, 2019) available at: https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2019-06/OIG-19-47-Jun19.pdf.

2 See AIC 2022 Complaint, “Re: Violations of ICE COVID-19 Guidance, PBNDS 2011, and Rehabilitation Act of 1973 at the Denver Contract Detention Facility, (Feb. 11, 2022) available at: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/research/complaint_against _ice _medical_neglect_people_sick_covid_19_colorado_facility_complaint1.pdf; AIC/AILA 2019 Complaint, “Supplement—Failure to Provide Adequate Medical and Mental Health Care to Individuals Detained in the Denver Contract Detention Facility,” (Jun. 11, 2019) available at: https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/general_litigation/complaint_supple ment_failure_to_provide_adequate_medical_and_mental_health_care.pdf; AIC/AILA 2018 Complaint, “Failure to Provide Adequate Medical and Mental Health Care to Individuals Detained in the Denver Contract Detention Facility,”2 (Jun. 4, 2018) available at: http://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ general_litigation/complaint_demands_investigation_into_inadequate_medical_and_mental_health_c are_condition_in_immigration_detention_center.pdf

Self Care Space - DACA

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Denver Children’s Advocacy Center, and UndocuHub are offering a safe place to connect, heal, and support one another following the 5th Circuit Court's decision about DACA.

The event will take place Wednesday, October 12, at 6 pm MST. Please be sure to share this resource and register to join.

LINK TO JOIN:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItceqqrTspHtGiMGZ7zxpzDvlmMbrqqWug

We're Hiring: Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney

RMIAN has an immediate opening for a Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney in its Children’s Program to ensure justice for children and families in immigration proceedings. The Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney will recruit, train, and mentor volunteer attorneys to provide representation for children and families in immigration matters. The Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney will place cases with volunteer attorneys, mentor volunteer attorneys, develop pro bono recruitment and training materials, coordinate training and recognition events, develop relationships with pro bono partners, and develop systems for tracking and mentoring cases. This position will also provide a limited amount of direct representation to children and families in their immigration cases.

This position is meant for an attorney with experience practicing immigration law who is exceptionally organized and efficient, who is passionate about providing equal access to all and excited to bring new partners into RMIAN’s work, and who is a systems thinker who is proactive, collaborative, and can work independently.

The ideal candidate:

• Is an attorney who has a solid base of substantive legal knowledge of immigration law and demonstrates a strong commitment to immigrant justice – this person knows how to run an immigration case, especially for children and families, and is passionate about RMIAN’s work and mission.

• Is comfortable in both nonprofit and for-profit realms – this person is able to evaluate and prioritize requests from pro bono attorneys while balancing capacity constraints and to communicate effectively with stakeholders at RMIAN, other nonprofits, and law firms.

• Is exceptionally organized – this person LOVES handling details and multiple projects running in parallel, methodically creating and working through checklists, and competently multi-tasking.

• Is a systems-minded person who finds and creates efficiencies – this person naturally conceptualizes workflow through a systems approach, thrives on innovating to make tasks more streamlined, and works quickly and accurately.

• Is skilled at building relationships and bringing new partners to RMIAN’s work – this person acts with courtesy, patience and poise, is excited to share RMIAN’s work with others, is confident speaking to groups, and is a natural salesperson.

• Is able to be responsive and act on time-sensitive inquiries – this person responds to stakeholders quickly, is skilled at time management, and triages to meet time-sensitive priorities.

• Is able to work autonomously and independently—this person doesn’t require micromanaging and can be trusted to manage and meet deadlines and complete tasks in a timely manner without prompting.

Responsibilities:

Pro bono recruitment and appreciation (20%)

• Maintain and further develop existing relationships with law firms, corporate legal departments, and legal organizations throughout the state, region, and country.

• Affirmatively recruit and cultivate new relationships with attorneys, law firms, and corporate legal departments nationwide through recruitment calls and meetings, information sessions and trainings, and the use of volunteer recruitment platforms. 

• Respond to inquiries from prospective pro bono attorneys; hold introductory recruitment calls.

• Co-plan and co-execute RMIAN’s annual pro bono appreciation event, and other smaller events and communications to recognize pro bono attorneys and other volunteers.

Pro bono placement (40%)

• Screen and prepare new cases for pro bono placement; coordinate with clients on the status of their pro bono placement.

• Publicize cases needing pro bono attorneys, including drafting weekly email digest to pro bono attorney mailing list, editing RMIAN’s website and making targeted asks to pro bono partners.

• Match pro bono attorneys with cases; process placements by coordinating mentorship for pro bono attorneys, conveying client information to pro bono attorneys, drafting and selecting appropriate referral materials, and completing administrative steps necessary to formalize placement in RMIAN systems.

• Coordinate with clients, pro bono attorneys, interpreters, and mentors to assure placement is complete and successful.  

Pro bono mentoring (20%)

• Respond to case inquiries from pro bono attorneys regarding procedural and substantive aspects of pro bono representation; field phone calls and email inquiries in a prompt manner.

• Assist pro bono attorneys in resolving case emergencies and ethical issues and navigating changes in the law.

• Maintain and develop mentoring materials on RMIAN’s pro bono website portal.

• Liaise with RMIAN’s panel of volunteer pro bono mentors and organize office hours for mentors.

• Serve as a mentor for pro bono attorneys as needed, including reviewing volunteer attorney work product and advising on case strategy, cross-cultural communication, and trauma informed representation.

Pro bono training (10%)

• Develop and organize written training materials in response to changing law and practice.

• Deliver trainings to pro bono attorneys on legal representation of children and families in immigration matters, including on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, asylum and related protections, U and T Visa, VAWA, representation in removal proceedings, and guardianship and allocation of parental responsibilities (APR) petitions in state court.

• Co-plan and co-execute RMIAN’s annual Immigration Law Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program with the Colorado Bar Association, and other CLEs and training programs as needed.

Direct Representation, Outreach and Advocacy (10%)

• Represent children and families in immigration matters before the Denver Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and on family law matters before the Colorado state courts, as interest and capacity permits.

• Contribute to Children’s Program work and advocacy related to advancing protections for immigrant and refugee children, families and survivors of crimes in the United States.

• Participate in RMIAN’s outreach, community education, communication, and development efforts and assist with other tasks as needed.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Admission to state bar, preferably Colorado

• Experience in immigration law or in a similar pro bono coordinator role

• Passion for RMIAN’s mission and demonstrated commitment to public interest law

• Strong sense of personal initiative

• Excellent oral (including public speaking) and written communication skills

• Ability to enthusiastically maintain and build relationships with attorneys, law firms, volunteers, and other stakeholders

• Demonstrated cultural competency

• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 required, or a request for reasonable accommodation prior to commencing employment with RMIAN.

Location:

This position is based in Westminster, Colorado. RMIAN’s operations are currently on a hybrid remote/in-person model, requiring at least two days a week of work in RMIAN’s office, or other work-related locations. More in-office time will be required during training and onboarding.

Compensation:

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The salary range depends on experience and ranges from $65,000 to $75,000. Salary includes a phenomenal benefits package, which includes:

• Generous paid time off with 15 days of vacation in the first year of employment and an additional 2 days for each additional year of employment, 10 sick days, 11 Federal holidays, plus, an annual week-long holiday office closure;

• Excellent health insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);

• Life insurance, professional liability insurance, and short-term disability insurance (100% covered by RMIAN);

• Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s Simple IRA retirement plan (RMIAN matches three percent);

• Eligibility to participate in RMIAN’s flexible spending plan; and

• Eight-week sabbatical after five years of employment.

If this profile calls out to you, please send a tailored, authentic cover letter that explains 1) why this mission excites you; and 2) why this particular role is a fit for you – along with your resume, a writing sample, and a list of three references – to hr@rmian.org.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

RMIAN is an equal opportunity employer and recognizes the importance of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and other underrepresented and marginalized groups. RMIAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status or veteran status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment free from discrimination.

This week marks #1YearAfterDelRio when CBP officers abused Haitian asylum seekers in TX

It has been a year since horrifying images of CBP agents chasing Haitian migrants on horseback and using extreme and unnecessary force against them surfaced online. The reality of the situation goes far beyond these images, as around 15,000 Haitian migrants fleeing environmental disaster and political instability were subjected to two weeks of horrid conditions and racist abuse after arriving in Del Rio, Texas. In response to these abuses, DHS conducted an inadequate investigation in which they neglected to interview a single Haitian migrant and studied only the 30-minutes during which these photos were taken rather than the entire two weeks of abuses experienced by those exercising their legal and human right to seek safety.

Since this incident, more than 24,000 Haitian migrants have been expelled from the United States. The Biden administration and DHS continue to attempt to wipe this incident under the rug. They have failed to ensure justice for migrants impacted by this incident or make meaningful movements towards ensuring that Black and Indigenous migrants have access to equitable processing at the border, relevant language services, or accessible humanitarian aid.

We call on President Biden to act on the demands above. Join us in demanding justice!

"Home is Here" Day of Action

Resources for DACA recipients here: https://homeishere.us/

Join us in demanding change: https://unitedwedre.am/HomeIsHere

On Wednesday, August 24, 2022 the Biden Administration issued a regulation (also called a “rule”) regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The underlying purpose of the government issuing this rule is to protect the DACA program by codifying it into law. Up until now, DACA has existed through a 2012 memorandum issued by then-Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. The rule is scheduled to go into effect on October 31, 2022. 

The rule does not change the nature of the program or the parameters of who qualifies. In order to qualify for DACA, applicants must have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007 and been present in this country on June 15, 2012. Thus, as the DACA program currently exists, immigrants brought to the United States on or after June 16, 2007 will not qualify nor will anyone who was over 30 years old on the day DACA was announced. 

The State of Texas challenged the DACA program through litigation, which remains pending before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas v. USA. A court order in that case prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from granting new initial DACA applications.  

While RMIAN applauds the Biden Administration for creating a regulation that would better protect the DACA program from future attacks via litigation, the need for sweeping reform remains. Thousands of deserving people, who were slightly too old or arrived in the United States a little too late are still living in legal limbo. Congress must provide more robust permanent protections to ensure that valuable members of our community have a pathway to gain lawful status in the United States. 

Images from United We Dream

RMIAN's annual CLE will take place on September 23, 2022

Take a pro bono case from RMIAN in the coming year – Attend for ONLY $75

The need for legal representation in immigration proceedings is greater than ever. Build your skills for defending and advancing the rights of non-citizens in the current legal environment.

In the morning, we will focus on zealous immigration advocacy and practice before the immigration courts, asylum, and working with survivors of trauma. The afternoon sessions will include a variety of topics, including advocating for release from immigration detention as well as advocacy and protections available for children and survivors of crime. We will conclude with a mock immigration court hearing.

Your distinguished faculty witness and navigate the impact of current realities of immigration policy on a daily basis. They will help you acquire and polish your immigration law skills, and ensure your knowledge is current.

The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) is a nonprofit organization that provides free immigration legal services to children and to individuals in immigration detention. RMIAN provides daily know-your-rights presentations, individual intakes, pro se assistance, and legal representation for those detained at the federal immigration detention facility in Aurora. RMIAN’s Children’s Program represents children and families who have survived abandonment, abuse, persecution, or other violence, and provides technical assistance and community education throughout the state on children’s immigration law issues. Unable to meet the overwhelming need for legal services, RMIAN refers both detention and children’s cases to its network of pro bono attorneys. RMIAN screens pro bono cases, writes referral memorandums, and provides professional liability insurance and a mentor attorney for each pro bono attorney.

Home studies will be available approximately 2-3 weeks following the live program.

For your own safety, the safety of others, and in an effort to provide everyone with the most rewarding in-person meeting and event experiences possible, we request that you attend a CBA, DBA, or CLE meeting or event only if you have been fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is up to personal preference and comfort level. Please be cognizant and understanding of others’ preferences and courteous to all attendees.

Depending on CDC and/or state or local health guidelines, a rise in COVID-19 cases, or other circumstances that may threaten the well-being of our attendees, CBA-CLE reserves the right to convert to a fully virtual event.

If disability accommodations or special assistance are needed, please contact us at clereception@cobar.org. Requests must be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program.

The program will be submitted for CLE accreditation in Colorado. If you need to seek accreditation in another state, please review the process and requirements for that individual state. CBA-CLE staff can provide a Uniform Certificate of Attendance, and it is the attendee’s responsibility to complete the accreditation outside of Colorado.

UndocuHub: El Estado actual de DACA y Actualizaciones / Current State of DACA and Updates

La próxima instalación de Noches de Conexión Comunitaria se llevará a cabo el 26 de julio de 6 a 7 pm a través de Zoom. La programación incluirá una introducción a UndocuHub y una presentación por La Coalición de Derechos de Inmigrantes de Colorado. La presentación cubrirá información importante sobre lo qué es el programa de DACA, su historia y el estado actual del programa. También compartiremos algunos recursos y proveeremos un espacio seguro para que los miembros de la comunidad compartan sus experiencias y hagan preguntas.

The next installation of Community Connection Nights will be held on July 26th from 6 to 7 pm through Zoom. Programming will include an introduction to UndocuHub and a presentation by the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. The presentation covers information about what the DACA program is, its history, and the current state of the program. We will also share resources and a safe space for community members to share their experiences and ask questions.

June is Pride Month

This Pride Month, RMIAN honors the LGBTQI+ immigrant community. We recognize and celebrate the role that LGBTQI+ immigrants have played in the organizing and movement building that has led to greater equality for the queer community, and we stand in solidarity with them against the ongoing challenges they face. Throughout reforms of the U.S. immigration system, discriminatory, anti-LGBTQI+ immigration policy has persisted. 

The Immigration Act of 1917 discriminated against people based on their sexual orientation, stating that LGBTQI+ migrants showed signs of "constitutional psychopathic inferiority." The Immigration Act of 1952 upheld this discrimination, continuing to label LGBTQI+ immigrants as "mentally defected." Although the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 abolished the racially-based quota system that plagued U.S. immigration law for four decades, it carved out a policy explicitly preventing "sexual deviates" from entering the country and required the deportation of LGBTQI+ immigrants. This ban was finally lifted in 1990, but enforcement of the 1987 ban on entry of HIV/AIDs-positive migrants continued until 2010. And it wasn't until 1994 that sexual orientation was first recognized as a basis for asylum. For the first time, in 2013 same-sex partners could sponsor each other for green cards, finally allowing families to unify after a long history of systemic discrimination.

Despite the recent strides, the lives and experiences of LGBTQI+ immigrants continue to be negatively affected by hostile policies. Members of the community are still confronted by situations where they must demand access to due process and justice. 

Continued violence against LGBTQI+ immigrants in detention and the recent wave of anti-transgender legislation, the overturning of Roe v Wade, and the continued implementation of policies like 'Remain in Mexico' and Title 42 serve as stark reminders that the road to access equal rights is long. RMIAN stands alongside LGBTQI+ migrants on the journey toward justice.

The time for change is NOW. 

To learn more about this issue and how LGBTQI+ migrants continue to be affected at the border by Title 42, read this report by Human Rights Watch detailing the dangers faced by LGBTQI+ asylum-seekers at the border. 

Title 42 Must End | A comment on the tragic loss of life in San Antonio, Texas

Our hearts are heavy in light of the tragic deaths of 50 people on June 27, 2022 near San Antonio, Texas. The cause of death was heat exhaustion and dehydration after the group was abandoned and trapped inside a blistering tracker trailer without water or ventilation. RMIAN wishes a swift recovery to the 16 survivors of this event and sends our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who were lost. 

This incident highlights the ways in which the U.S. immigration system dehumanizes migrants, treating them like commodities rather than as valuable individuals. When damaging immigration policies like Title 42 restrict once-lawful channels of humanitarian immigration relief, persons fleeing for their lives are forced into dangerous situations, where they are preyed upon and exploited at the border. Title 42 is an abusive policy that unfairly targets asylum seekers, Black and Brown migrants, and many others seeking refuge and safety.

Lawmakers must implement immigration reform focused on creating a fair and humane asylum process that is equally accessible to all, regardless of their country of origin, the language they speak, or the color of their skin.

How can you help? Contact Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and tell them to vote against any extension of Title 42 to prevent further harm from occurring. You can also reach out to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, DHSSecretary@hq.dhs.gov, seeking legal protections for the survivors of this tragedy. 

June 15th is the 10th Anniversay of DACA

June 15, 2022, marks 10 years of DACA.

For a decade, DACA has been a government band-aid for delivering lasting protection for immigrants. Instead of investing in protecting our fundamental human rights to live freely and safely, to have autonomy of our bodies, and determination over our futures, our elected officials have failed to permanently protect immigrant people. 

Immigrant youth won DACA through relentless organizing and by demanding that then-President Obama stop the deportations separating communities. A decade later, millions of immigrants continue to face the threat of detention and deportation without any form of protection and DACA continues to be only a temporary protection.

We are tired of temporary!

Something permanent must be done. Join the movement and send a message to Biden and Congress demanding change.

Make your voice heard!

Five action steps you can take below

RMIAN submits comments opposing a rule that would deny asylum-seeking families a fair day in court

Pro Bono Spotlight: Overcoming the Odds on the Dedicated Docket

This month, RMIAN celebrates an incredible victory in ensuring due process.

Pro bono attorney Cathy Lee Lazar, assisted by RMIAN's Children's Program Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney Alyssa Telander, RMIAN Social Worker Jessy K. Pérez, and numerous pro bono advocates, overcame tremendous obstacles and helped a family appearing on Denver's Dedicated Docket win asylum! 

This family was one of the few families on the Dedicated Docket who has been able to access legal representation. The Dedicated Docket, rolled out by the Biden Administration in May 2021, pushes families through removal proceedings at an expedited rate, making it incredibly difficult for these families to access counsel and build a case. 

In a report published by TRAC immigration in January 2022, nearly 85% of the 70,000+ asylum-seeking families on the Dedicated Docket are without legal representation. At the time the report was published, over 1,600 cases had concluded, with only 13 families successfully accessing asylum—all of whom received legal representation. 

Organizations like RMIAN are struggling to meet the needs of the thousands of families facing deportation on an expedited timeline. It is thanks to the efforts of pro bono attorneys like Ms. Lazar that we can provide these services to as many families as possible. 

Ms. Lazar says of the time working on this case, "I am very proud and humbled and inspired to be a part of a community that included pro bono interpreter, Luke, our forensic pro bono doctors, and our pro bono experts... a network of several busy, talented, deeply good people, mostly behind the scenes, who also partnered in this win." 

A huge congratulations to the family, and a huge thank you to Cathy Lee Lazar, Pro Bono Attorney, Luke Mueller, Pro Bono Interpreter, and the many other volunteers who contributed to the family’s asylum win.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering to provide pro bono legal representation, translation or interpretation services, or forensic medical and mental health evaluations, please visit www.rmian.org/volunteer for more details! 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

We must break the stigma associated with seeking mental health support. 

 Mental health refers to our emotional and social well-being. It impacts how we think, feel, and behave. It plays a role in connecting with others, making decisions, coping with stress, and handling other aspects of life. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness, “ 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime and the average delay between symptom onset and treatment is 11 years. It is NEVER too early to seek treatment for your mental health.”

Immigrant populations often face unique challenges. Many of these challenges are rooted within the immigration system. From challenges faced in one's home country to those experienced in the immigration journey to being forced to go through extremely complex and adversarial legal proceedings to needing to adapt to a new life in an unfamiliar environment and a society that can be unwelcoming and even cruel. 

Many of the clients RMIAN serves have undergone significant traumatic life experiences. The experience of trauma is often a factor in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression, among other challenges. The process of being forced to relive this trauma multiple times throughout one’s legal case exacerbates mental health challenges. And for some, the act of sharing their pain can be frightening. 

Raising awareness of the importance of mental health within the community and among families helps fight cultural stigma, spreads understanding, facilitates community support, and spreads awareness of available resources. 

Since 2010, RMIAN’s Social Service Project has provided integrated and holistic care to clients experiencing behavioral health challenges, physical or mental disabilities, and other realities that make the immigration legal system difficult to endure. RMIAN is proud to help clients navigate the mental and physical health challenges faced by clients, including those created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. RMIAN continues to innovate ways of raising awareness of mental health, bringing families together, healing our community, and building resilience.

We encourage you to speak up and advocate for the importance of mental health awareness within your community. For 24/7 free support and to speak with a trained professional, call the resource crisis line at 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255. 

If you are interested in providing medical and mental health forensic evaluations for RMIAN clients, please visit www.rmian.org/volunteer. If you would like to find out other ways to support clients detained at GEO, visit www.casadepazcolorado.org 

RMIAN Statement Regarding Recent Gun Violence in New York, California, and Texas

Everyone deserves safety. No one should ever fear for their lives when going to the store, to school, to a place of worship, to a movie theater, to a concert, to a restaurant, to a workplace, when using public transportation, etc.

Our hearts are broken and go out to all those affected by gun violence, most recently in Texas, New York, and California. 

Fundamental changes—including the dismantling of white supremacy—need to happen to prevent further horrific trauma and loss of life. The inaction and lack of substantive changes surrounding gun violence in our country highlight the systemic racism, classism, sexism, nativism, trans and homophobia, xenophobia, and oppression that permeate our society.

The shooting in Buffalo, New York, was a deliberate attack on Black lives. The shooting in Laguna Woods, California, targeted Taiwanese churchgoers. The shooting in Uvalde, Texas, impacted a primarily Latinx community.

Each of these and every other recent mass shooting is a direct result of white supremacy culture prioritizing the economic gain of few over the safety and well-being of many.

These horrific acts of violence are evidence of our country’s unwillingness to concretely address deeper issues and create meaningful pathways toward restorative justice, social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

At RMIAN, we stand in solidarity with those who have experienced loss and violence and are seeking protection of all kinds. 

There cannot be peace without action. We call upon Congress to act before they recess this Memorial Day. We call upon the Senate to enact the Enhanced Background Checks Act. We call upon our community to take a stand against racism and gun violence.

Enough is enough.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. 

RMIAN elevates the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants and Asian Americans and also recognizes the numerous countries, cultures, languages, and immigration histories ascribed a monochromatic racial identification. To tie over 50 countries and territories and over 2000 languages under the umbrella of “Asian American” simplifies their unique histories and challenges. These unified variations enrich and create an emboldened appreciation where such divergent paths can find common ground.

Despite a long history in the United States, AAPIs remain “foreign.” Present-day, Asian Americans continue to be targeted in numerous crimes, with a 339% nationwide increase in the last year. 

The narrative of Asian Americans as the perpetual American outsider is well documented in our immigration history. The 1875 Page Act barred Asian women who were assumed to be prostitutes and Asian male contract laborers. The Exclusion Act of 1882 barred Chinese laborers with narrow exceptions that further discouraged the immigration of Asian women. Later the Expatriation Act stripped U.S. citizenship from U.S.-born women who married immigrant men. While the Cable Act attempted to restore the U.S. citizenship of immigrant-wedded women, women who married Asian men (who were ineligible for U.S. citizenship) became de facto stateless. Multiple U.S. Supreme Court cases followed, distinguishing East Asians and South Asians from white, and refusing Asian and Asian Americans citizenship and fundamental rights (i.e., Ozawa v. U.S. in 1922, U.S. v. Thind in 1923). 

Hate and fear-mongering have fueled harmful policies for decades, including McCarthyism xenophobia targeting Chinese and Chinese Americans; the World War II concentration of Japanese and Japanese Americans; the 1982 brutal murder of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American; the fear-based targeting of Sikh and Arab Americans following the 9/11 terrorist attacks; the racist characterization of COVID-19; the 2021 Atlanta Spa Shooting; and the attacks that continue against Asian and Asian American community members today. 

This history of racism and violence against AAPIs cannot overshadow the courage, contributions, and resilience of the Asian American community. Recently, Colorado’s AAPI leaders, advocates, and community members advocated for an acknowledgment of and apology for Denver’s anti-Chinese riot of 1880. Efforts like these to reconcile a painful past continue to channel further progress and healing. RMIAN supports this meaningful step and acknowledges this powerful act of reclaiming AAPI history.

RMIAN calls upon our supporters to demonstrate allyship with the AAPI community through words, actions, and education. Support AAPI organizations and advocates like the Asian Pacific Development Center, Stop AAPI Hate, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and the Asian American Advocacy Fund, among many other phenomenal organizations.

This work is ongoing and will not be limited to May. Together we must continue to fight for a world in which diverse communities are embraced and celebrated.

KGNU Interview: End Title 42

RMIAN's Detention Program Managing Attorney Laura Lunn spoke on KGNU's Morning Podcast today about the need to immediately end Title 42.

"Title 42 empowers federal health authorities to prohibit migrants from entering the United States and conflates public health concerns with access to justice for people fleeing persecution - two completely different problems that require separate solutions. The United States must implement orderly and humane policies to process asylum seekers and afford them the opportunity to access counsel in order to infuse fairness into a process that currently inflicts cruelty and trauma on people seeking protection from harm," stated Laura Lunn.

Opinion: The silence of our senators over Title 42 is worrisome

HB22-1319 PASSES THE SENATE!

RMIAN celebrates the bi-partisan passage of House Bill 22-1319 (HB22-1319) through the Senate on May 2, 2022. HB22-1319 will give children in federal custody access to state court proceedings through a streamlined dependency process. This new state court proceeding will provide abused and neglected children with a pathway towards safety and stability in the United States.

 Various members of RMIAN’s Children’s Program played a crucial role in bringing this legislation forward. Specifically, Iva Velickovic and Ashley Harrington worked with legislators and stakeholders in drafting the legislation and bringing supporters on board. Georgina Olazcon Mozo provided compelling testimony to legislators about the unaccompanied children this legislation will impact.

Pictured: Ashley Harrington, Children’s Program Managing Attorney (left) and Georgina Olazcon Mozo, Children’s Program Senior Staff Attorney (right) giving testimony to legislators.

RMIAN expresses sincere gratitude to the bill’s sponsors, Representative Serena Gonzales Gutierrez, Representative Iman Jodeh and Senator Julie Gonzales. RMIAN also wishes to recognize Denise Maes, Ashley Chase, Stephanie Villafuerte, Zara Levy, and Rachel Kelly for their testimony in support of the bill. Finally, RMIAN thanks the bill’s supporters including Jefferson County, the Office of the Child’s Representative, the Child Protection Ombudsman of Colorado, the Office of Respondent Parents’ Counsel, the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, and the Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy & Research Organization. RMIAN looks forward to Governor Polis signing this important legislation into law!

It's Time to End Title 42

Efforts to end the cruel expulsions caused by Title 42 continue as hopes crumble that President Biden will finally lift the order in light of a new restraining order and a proposed extension in Congress.

In late March, the Biden Administration announced that it planned to lift the Title 42 expulsion policy in late May. This policy has restricted asylum seekers' entry to the United States since early 2020 and has been widely criticized for just as long. Shortly after the announcement, however, the Biden Administration voiced hesitation to follow through with its promise, citing concerns about an influx of people seeking entry at the border once the order is lifted. But these concerns fall flat in the face of ample evidence that, with enough political incentive, the government is, in fact, equipped to timely process individuals at the border. 

Just this week, there are reports at the border that Customs and Border Patrol is "processing up to a thousand Ukrainians per day, at a port of entry where border officials claimed they did not have capacity to even process 30 other asylum seekers per day in the past few years." Meanwhile, Title 42 continues to exist as a mechanism for these same officials to deny BIPOC asylum seekers access to protection. 

"RMIAN applauds the Biden Administration for expeditiously processing Ukrainian asylum seekers' cases, allowing them to enter the country and reunite with loved ones. However, it should similarly take swift action to offer the same opportunity to all persons seeking asylum who are fleeing violence and persecution. It sends a disturbing message that our government views certain lives as being more deserving of safety and stability than others, reinforcing racial bias and perpetuating systemic discrimination against Black, Brown, and indigenous communities." Laura Lunn, Detention Program Managing Attorney.

 During his campaign, President Biden promised to roll back the harmful immigration policies implemented during the Trump Administration, but 1.7 million expulsions have occurred since the inception of Title 42, 1.2 million of them during the Biden Administration.

 The Administration's continued consideration of this policy threatens to exacerbate already horrendous conditions at the border. It is further complicated by a recent decision out of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana granting a restraining order to keep Title 42 in place. In this case, the states of Missouri, Louisiana, and Arizona are fighting to keep Title 42 in place and thereby restrict any access to asylum in the United States – a longtime goal of many conservatives. Concerningly, it is not just conservative voices calling for a continuation of Title 42: there is currently a bill before Congress that contemplates extending Title 42 based on the purported health emergency, and many Democratic elected officials are considering support of this bill, including Senator Michael Bennet and Senator John Hickenlooper, despite the fact that application of such a bill would likely result in an indefinite ban on entry at the border.

 Title 42 is an order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on federal public health law. It allows the United States to expel someone from the country, sometimes to a designated third country different from their country of citizenship, without allowing them the opportunity to first seek protection in the United States. 

 Since its introduction in March of 2020, the government has used Title 42 to push back thousands of asylum seekers and deny them their legal right to seek protection, regardless of their claim or any other consideration like severe illness or the dangers awaiting them in refugee camps along the border. Indeed, Al Otro Lado, Haitian Bridge Alliance, and Human Rights First just released a new report that documents the mounting dangers befalling asylum seekers in Tijuana who are being blocked from entering the United States. In many instances, individuals who do attempt to cross the border are being apprehended and detained for several days, if not weeks, before the government expels them back to the very same dangers in Tijuana that they are trying to escape in the first place, including kidnapping, rape, torture, and other violent attacks. Despite evidence that over 10,000 people have experienced such horrors since the inception of Title 42, politicians continue to label this a "necessary" policy.

 Highlighting the hypocrisy of these expulsions is the fact that people can easily cross the U.S.-Mexico border to work, enter as tourists, or even go shopping. Still, our government is saying that asylum seekers need to stay out, reinforcing the false rhetoric that migrants are disease-ridden, even though many people seeking asylum are vaccinated against COVID-19. This, in a country where people advocate against vaccinations, masks, and other safety protocols, and where the chief medical adviser to President Biden, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has declared that we are in fact "out of the pandemic phase." 

 For months, public health experts have demanded an end to the order, noting the "long, regrettable history of stoking fears of disease to galvanize support for anti-immigration policies," highlighting the "terrible toll on the lives and well-being of asylum seekers," and calling for the United States to "adopt measures that are based on sound science and public health practice." 

 When the Biden Administration first announced its intent to lift Title 42, the CDC had just announced that the policy was no longer necessary. This announcement also followed several high-profile court cases in which federal courts issued conflicting rulings holding both that a prior exception to the policy carved out for unaccompanied children was unlawful and also that the United States could also not expel people to places where they would likely be persecuted or tortured. 

 Despite these developments, the continued outcry that Title 42 is "necessary" and the new restraining order keeping Title 42 in place, for now, means that advocates are redoubling efforts to demonstrate the dangers associated with such a decision.

 Title 42 has never been necessary to safeguard public health and has instead served as a racist tool to control who is and is not allowed to exercise their legal rights at the border, as evidenced by the notably inconsistent application of the policy across nationalities. People from Mexico and Central America are disproportionately turned away under the auspices of this policy. Meanwhile, people from other countries are more often exempted from this policy and allowed to seek protection under the normal mechanisms of asylum, such as the case of Ukrainian asylum seekers. 

"Since Title 42 came into play, there has been a drastic change to the population that RMIAN is serving in Colorado. We know that conditions have not changed in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Still, we are seeing so few individuals from this region being afforded the opportunity to seek asylum. At the same time, other populations are being allowed to present their cases to immigration judges, oftentimes without even the need to first have a credible fear interview. We also know that the government is using Title 42 to expel individuals from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador directly to Mexico rather than having to arrange flights to Central America, and it's clear that this carve-out is being used selectively and intentionally to control who is afforded the opportunity to seek asylum." Jenn Nelson, Legal Orientation Program Supervisory Attorney

For too long, Title 42 has been weaponized to gatekeep admission to the United States. RMIAN calls on public officials to demand an end to Title 42 now. We cannot allow this policy to remain in effect, nor can we allow for it ever to be used again as a means to deny individuals the right to seek asylum.