Self-Help Resources

Welcome to the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network’s self-help resources page. These materials are designed to provide general information about immigration law and immigration proceedings, particularly for children and families, and for those in immigration detention.

These publications are meant to provide useful basic information about immigration law and detention in removal in Denver/Aurora and were created in the course of RMIAN’s work. Under no circumstances do these resources constitute legal advice. We strongly encourage you to talk to an immigration lawyer or trusted legal service provider about the specifics of your case or your loved one’s case.

If you’re looking for information or support for someone who is in immigration detention in Colorado, please call RMIAN’s Detention Hotline: (303) 866-9308. Click here for information on the services RMIAN offers to individuals in immigration detention in Colorado.

If you are looking for information or support for a child or family’s immigration case, including DACA, please call RMIAN’s general number at (303) 433-2812.

RMIAN strives to keep the materials on this page up to date; however, individuals  using materials from this page are responsible for consulting other resources including the USCIS website and the Immigration Court Practice Manual in order to ensure that filings comply with all current U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) and court requirements before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (“EOIR”). 

If you are looking for information on the operational status and changes in the Immigration Court and the USCIS office because of COVID-19 or resources available to the community please click here.

Si está buscando información sobre el estado operativo y los cambios en el Tribunal de Inmigración y el USCIS debido a COVID-19 o los recursos disponibles para la comunidad, haga click aqui.

GENERAL RESOURCES

Understanding the different agencies that be involved in your immigration case

Where can I find details about my/my family member’s immigration case?

EOIR: If the case is pending before the immigration court, you can find more information about the next hearing date and decisions made in the case by referencing the following:

o   Executive Office for Immigration Review Automated Case Information

o   Call the Executive Office of Immigration Review Hotline at 1-800-898-7180

o  EOIR’s Immigration Court Online Resource (includes information on contacting immigration courts and the BIA, EOIR’s operational status, important forms, and more)

o  EOIR’s List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers by State

USCIS: If the case is pending before USCIS, you can:

o   Check the case status here

o   Call USCIS Customer Service at 1 (800) 375-5283

ICE: If your loved one was apprehended by immigration officials and you don’t know where they can you can search for them by checking the ICE Detainee Locator (if the system has been updated).

RESOURCES FOR DETAINED ADULTS

If your loved one is detained at the ICE Aurora Detention Center in Aurora, Colorado, their immigration case will be heard at the Aurora Immigration Court. Below you will find general information about the GEO/ICE Immigration Detention Center and the Aurora Immigration Court.

Information on the GEO/ICE Denver Contract Detention Center

o   Including visiting, calling, depositing money, dropping off personal items, etc. 

o   General Information regarding the GEO/ICE Denver Contract Detention Center

o   FAQs for Supporting Immigrants in the Aurora Immigration Detention Center, created by Casa de Paz volunteers

o   Includes information about attending court hearings, sending books, visiting, calling, depositing money, dropping off personal items, etc.  

o   Options for Advocating for our Friends in Detention created by Casa de Paz volunteers

o   Information about organizations to contact if an immigrant experiences mistreatment in detention

o   Casa de Paz—visitation, post-release, and other support by community volunteers

o   Casa de Paz Flyer

o   Information about requesting visits or pen pals for people in detention, support for people after release from detention, and accommodations for people coming from out of town to visit loved ones in detention

Aurora Immigration Court Website

o   Includes contact information and information on attending court.

o   General Information on the Aurora Immigration Court.

Department of Homeland Security Office of Chief Counsel Website

o   Agency that house the ICE trial attorneys, who are essentially prosecutors in immigration cases.

Rights and Defenses Against Deportation for Detained Adults

Navigating an immigration case is likely a new experience for you and your family members. Understanding your rights and the Immigration Court process is the first step towards representing yourself or advocating for your loved one. Below you will find a brief description of the rights an individual has in the Immigration Court process, what the court process looks like and common defenses against deportation.

Know Your Rights for Individuals in Immigration Detention

Immigration Court Process

Can I get out of detention while my case is pending?

Some people may be eligible to apply for release and fight their immigration case outside of detention. Below is more information on the options for release from Immigration Detention. If someone detained by ICE is granted release, they can leave immigration detention, but they are still in removal proceedings and are expected to continue attending their court hearings. For more information see the resources below:

Options for Release from Immigration Detention

Next steps after being released under bond or parole

If you are granted asylum or another similar form of relief, congratulations! Many of the forms of relief have important benefits, make sure you apply for those benefits as soon as possible. 

Release after being granted relief

Other Helpful Resources for Immigrants in Detention

RESOURCES FOR NON-DETAINED MINORS AND ADULTS

If you or a loved one is in immigration proceedings in Denver, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the location and rules of the Denver Immigration Court. Below, you can find information about the Immigration Court and other immigration related government entities that you may be interacting with.

Denver Immigration Court Website

Department of Homeland Security Office of Chief Counsel Website

U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services- Denver Field Office

Rights and Defenses Against Deportation for Non-Detained Minors and Adults

Navigating an immigration case is likely a new experience for you and your family members. Understanding your rights and the Immigration Court process is the first step towards representing yourself or advocating for your loved one who is in proceedings. Below you will find a brief description of your rights in the Immigration Court process, and information on common forms of relief against deportation.

Know Your Rights for Children, Juveniles and Non-Detained Adults in Removal Proceedings

Immigration Court Process

Other Helpful Resources for Non-Detained Minors & Adults in Removal Proceedings  

Immigrants’ Rights and Detention (ACLU)

SOCIAL SERVICES RESOURCES

We understand the difficulties that come with being an immigrant in this country. If you’re struggling with medial/mental health issues, housing, securing food, or other issues, please know that there are resources out there. Please see the lists below so you can find the help you need.

RMIAN Compiled Lists

Other Resources

OTHER HELPFUL IMMIGRATION RELATED RESOURCES

OTHER HELPFUL NON-IMMIGRATION RELATED RESOURCES

 Last Updated 09/17/2021