Vera Institute of Justice的动态

We need YOU to help us protect and advance justice reform at the state and local level this year. The horizon may be grim as a president who campaigned on anti-immigrant rhetoric and promises of mass deportation comes into office. But every effort to end to end systemic racism and injustice in the criminal legal and immigration system, matters. Here’s how you ?? can join our fight to advance justice reform: https://lnkd.in/e-ANtwb8

Here’s a story about a case where we used a categorical approach for a 49-year-old man who was interested in naturalizing, despite a crime he committed at 19 involving a 15-year-old minor. The charge was classified as child abuse, but by carefully analyzing the legal definitions at the time, we found it didn’t meet the criteria for a deportable offense. Although the crime seemed severe, it wasn’t classified in a way that would bar him from becoming a citizen. This case shows how understanding the intricacies of immigration law and past offenses can open doors for those who might otherwise feel stuck. #immigrationlaw #naturalization #legalstrategy #justice #redemption #immigrationcase #lawyerlife #complexcases #hope #legalapproach #citizenship #legalvictory #courts #immigrant

On the first day of the new administration, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it was rescinding earlier guidance which had designated certain sensitive places -- including healthcare facilities, churches, and schools -- "off limits" to non-emergency immigration enforcement. This means that federal law enforcement now can -- and already have begun to -- conduct raids in sensitive places including hospitals and doctors’ offices. As my friend Melissa Jampol and her colleagues recently reminded everyone in a widely-circulated article, these directives are NOT exempt from constitutional requirements, including the requirement that law enforcement obtain a warrant before entering private property (including a non-public business) without consent. And, of course, no matter what they say, you are NOT required to provide such consent under these circumstances. So, while you should of course never do anything to obstruct law enforcement activity, it is permissible -- and, from my perspective, highly advisable -- to request a copy of a warrant before allowing law enforcement into your non-public place of business, absent some sort of emergency. #criminaldefense #immigration #ICE

The current and former state attorney generals and the current and former governors of Oregon should be the first state public officials in America charged and jailed under Trump's order to detain local officials for federal immigration crimes and illegal sanctuary policies. La ley es la ley. That would be a great start to making Oregon, and America, great again. Emphasis on "start"; There should be many, many more to follow. https://lnkd.in/geurJzfx

Right now, HR 29, is being considered by Congress. Also known as the Laken Riley Act, this is a dangerous piece of legislation that exploits personal tragedy, unjustly targets immigrants, and guts due process. This bill would mandate immigration detention for some undocumented people who have not been convicted of a crime—or, in some instances, have not even been charged with one. If passed, it will be handing the incoming Trump administration the tools it needs to enact mass detentions, deportations, and family separations and undermine a core American value. Instead of falling prey to these kinds of cynical policies, elected officials must look to real solutions that improve safety, fairness in our communities. Call your senators and congresspeople to urge them to vote no on this harmful bill: 202-224-3121 https://lnkd.in/gK9kjSq5

In an article by San Jose Inside on the incoming administration’s promise to intensify immigration enforcement and CA lawmakers’ efforts to protect pupils, CRP’s research documenting the impacts of intensified immigration enforcement on school communities is cited. These impacts, including increases in anxiety, bullying, and heightened uncertainty, are felt not only by students who are children of immigrants, but by their peers and staff members as well. In the article, CRP Co-director Patricia Gándara also emphasizes the importance of schools partnering with local nonprofits that can provide legal services and additional support to families in need. Read more about new laws proposed by CA lawmakers and our important research using the link below! ?? https://lnkd.in/dUTAZFbt

Good for you

Yesterday the ACLU published a roadmap on how, if Trump is re-elected, we will fight his threats of mass deportations, ending birthright citizenship and denying kids access to schools. I co-wrote this paper and am excited to share our plans on taking the fight to the state and local level, as well to Congress. https://lnkd.in/gtgSMKhv

In a new opinion piece, PLS Attorney Leah Hastings and Boston University School of Law Professor Sarah Sherman-Stokes outline how Massachusetts could strengthen immigrant protections through four key actions: 1. End the last remaining ICE detention contract at Plymouth County facility, where about 350 people are currently held amid reports of poor conditions and human rights concerns. 2. Dismantle the Boston Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC) to prevent information sharing between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities - a system that has previously put children at risk. 3. Provide clear guidance to law enforcement and district attorneys to limit cooperation with ICE, particularly around courtroom and jail notifications. 4. Reinstate Massachusetts' full right-to-shelter law to protect vulnerable families from homelessness and potential ICE enforcement. While some officials have pledged non-cooperation with mass deportation efforts, the authors argue these specific policy changes are needed to turn those promises into meaningful protections. Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/epzmcxgk

Good overview article explaining what actions the Trump Administration will take. Some will be designed more for psychological impact to encourage self-deportation. Some will be easier - e.g. focusing on removing people who already have removal orders. Some will be a lot more controversial such as changing the standards to allow more crowded detention spaces. Immigration and civil rights advocacy groups aren't without options, however, and the article discusses how some of the overreach will be fought in the courts. https://lnkd.in/e_KFFPd7