Vera Institute of Justice’s Post

Today I was in court, and the judge was frustrated because she had an entire room of people without attorneys who didn’t know the complicated and nuanced procedures of immigration court. And this was just a basic scheduling hearing, let’s not even get to complicated final hearing where pro se respondents are expected to make complicated legal arguments they don’t know, utterly reliant on an (oftentimes unfriendly) judge and (oftentimes unqualified) interpreter. Universal representation doesn’t mean everyone will win their case. But it means people won’t lose their case because they lack the legal knowledge to represent themselves. I cannot reiterate how complicated immigration law, in particular asylum law, is. I’ve been practicing mostly asylum law for eight years and the law is constantly changing. It can be difficult for attorneys to keep up, much less persons who had to flee, lack resources, and do not speak English. Losing an immigration court case means deportation. That can be catastrophic and deadly. We should be creating a system of universal representation and due process. Additionally, this will help the inefficiencies that are rampant in immigration court. Judges who are frustrated at the pro se respondents who don’t properly file documents (a process not intuitive or easy, especially here in the NYC courts), who don’t understand the complicated legalese the judges speak in regardless of their audience will be able to move through hearings far quicker with attorneys.

Everyone facing deportation and its devastating consequences needs access to high-quality, independent legal representation. Since the Fairness to Freedom campaign launched last May, the number of people in immigration court facing deportation has increased from 2.1 million to 3 million. It is critical that Congress pass the Fairness to Freedom Act. The legislation will save lives, support immigrant communities and keep families together. Everyone regardless of their immigration status deserves their fair day in court. We will not stop fighting until everyone facing deportation has a chance at fairness. Learn more about the #FairnessToFreedomAct and why #UniversalRepresentation is needed, effective, supported, and achievable: https://lnkd.in/eaAAQRWe #FairnessToFreedom #UniversalRepresentation #ImmigrantsRights #ImmigrantsRightsAreHumanRights

Since the Fairness to Freedom campaign launched last May, the number of people in immigration court facing deportation has increased from 2.1 million to 3 million. It is critical that Congress pass the Fairness to Freedom Act. This legislation will save lives, support immigrant communities and keep families together. Everyone regardless of their immigration status deserves their fair day in court. We will not stop fighting until everyone facing deportation has a chance at fairness. Learn more about the #FairnessToFreedomAct and why #UniversalRepresentation is needed, effective, supported, and achievable: https://lnkd.in/eaAAQRWe Vera Institute of Justice #FairnessToFreedom #UniversalRepresentation #ImmigrantsRights #ImmigrantsRightsAreHumanRights

When people have access to legal counsel, they are given a fighting chance at establishing their freedom and defending their rights. In the more than 2.6 million cases pending in immigration courts as of August 2023, over 1.6 million people must defend themselves against deportation alone.     People at risk of deportation are often left to fend for themselves in navigating the complexities of immigration law. They face well-resourced government prosecutors in cases that may result in physical exile from home, separation from family and community, and return to conditions of persecution, violence, torture, or death.      That’s why we are advocating for #UniversalRepresentation which would make it a universal right for anyone facing deportation to have access to a federally funded attorney.      It is a critical pathway to help keep families together and promote fairness in our immigration system.     It only takes two minutes to take action. Tell Congress to pass the #FairnessToFreedomAct and help keep families together:  https://lnkd.in/gp8JB6dP 

We're inspired by the commitment of the Vera Institute to shed light on the critical need for #UniversalRepresentation in immigration cases. The statistics speak volumes - over 1.6 million individuals facing deportation without legal representation in a system where fairness hangs in the balance. 🌐 Our Shared Vision: At Promises for a Future Tomorrow (PFAFT), we echo the call for change. Universal representation is not just a concept; it's a shared vision for a compassionate and equitable immigration system. We believe that everyone, regardless of circumstance, should have access to legal counsel. 🤝 Collaboration Matters: Collaboration is key to bringing about lasting change. PFAFT applauds the Vera Institute for spearheading this crucial advocacy, and we're eager to join forces in amplifying the message. 💼 Taking Action Together: #FairnessToFreedomAct Let's turn advocacy into action. PFAFT encourages you to support the #FairnessToFreedomAct. Two minutes of your time can contribute to a more just system, where families stay united, and fairness prevails. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gsEMfeKh 🌈 A Unified Voice for Change: Your voice matters, and so does ours. Together, let's be a unified voice for change, advocating for universal representation and a future where compassion guides our immigration system. #PFAFT #UniversalRepresentation #AdvocacyForChange #CollaborationForJustice 🌟🤝

🚨 Breaking News Update 🚨 The Supreme Court temporarily halts Texas' controversial immigration law, responding to the Biden administration and immigration groups' call for intervention. This pause underscores the ongoing debate on immigration enforcement, shedding light on concerns about racial profiling. Stay informed as the discussion unfolds. #immigrationlawyer #immigrationlaw #breakingnews #weareheretohelp #stayinformed #stayconnected #newyork

Every person should have the right to a court-appointed lawyer, including those facing deportation. Tell Congress to pass the #FairnessToFreedomAct TODAY ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gp8JB6dP Right now, 📈 The immigration court backlog has reached unprecedented levels, with millions in limbo & unable to afford legal assistance. ⚖️ It is extremely difficult to win in immigration court without an attorney, and millions have been denied opportunities simply for lack of legal representation. #UniversalRepresentation for ALL is needed, supported, achievable, and an effective solution. Immigrants are an integral part of our communities, families, workplaces, and economy – deserving of solutions grounded in fairness and dignity 💟 #Uniting4URep #UniversalRepresentation #URep #FairnessToFreedom

New form edition alert! This is important because if you don’t use the current version of the form, USCIS will reject your application and you have to file all over again. ———————————————————— Immigration attorney representing individuals in all 50 states and outside the country. Former Attorney Advisor In immigration court #Immigrationtips#immigrationlawyer #citizenship #Greencard #Naturalization #DACA #Dreamers #asylum #VAWA #immigrationreform #Abogada #worcesterlawyers #worcesterlawfirm #greencard #Americandream #workvisa #LawyerBenny #CRBA #TPS

For immigrants with criminal histories, waivers and relief options can provide a pathway to overcome inadmissibility or deportation challenges. The U.S. immigration law offers several types of waivers, each designed to address specific circumstances. #immigrationlaw #circumstances

Can illegal immigrants sue for personal injury? There is a common misconception that illegal or undocumented immigrants do not have the same rights as citizens or legal residents, but according to numerous court rulings and legal precedents, everyone in the country—regardless of their immigration status—has certain constitutional rights. One of these rights is the ability to seek redress in court for personal injuries. While the law is clear on the rights of undocumented immigrants, the practical implications of suing for personal injury can be more complex, as there is often a fear of retaliation or deportation. However, many states have laws in place to prevent the disclosure of a plaintiff's immigration status during a lawsuit, ensuring that the focus remains on the injury and not on the individual's legal status. If you or someone you know is an undocumented immigrant who has suffered a personal injury, it is essential to seek experienced legal counsel in the pursuit of justice. https://ow.ly/xkkp50Qjlq0 #personalinjuryattorney