Jane Feldman embarked on a pro bono journey to support a man from Cameroon detained by U.S. immigration authorities, a decision that led her to discover an uncharted world within the immigration court system.
Despite her years of legal experience, Feldman initially found the process to navigate the complexities of immigration law truly confounding.
After completing a few pro bono cases, she quickly realized that the rules governing immigration cases were far from straightforward.
In a surprising turn of events, a request she filed for her client’s release was flatly rejected by an ICE representative, who insisted on original tax return documents, contrary to standard federal court procedures where photocopies sufficed.
After reaching out for clarification, her tenacity led to her client’s release by the afternoon.
Feldman remarked on the staggering lack of due process in immigration proceedings, emphasizing how arbitrary rules can hold individuals in detention unnecessarily.
At that time, she was one of about 30 lawyers trained by the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) to handle immigration cases.
When RMIAN offered training sessions once more in January, just before President Donald Trump took office for a second term, over 100 Colorado attorneys expressed interest.
In a state noted for low legal representation rates among immigrants, the momentum for legal assistance is growing, powered by collaboration among lawyers, advocacy groups, and community members dedicated to safeguarding noncitizen rights amid waves of fear and potential deportation.
In addition to RMIAN, various organizations—such as university law clinics that provide pro bono services—host free workshops focusing on asylum eligibility, aiming to address the crises faced by those entangled in the immigration system.
Lawyers, like Feldman, who are accustomed to different fields of law, agree on one point: immigration law is incredibly intricate and daunting.
Despite having extensive legal backgrounds, attorneys working on immigration issues often face steep learning curves.
Feldman is adamant that the complexity of U.S. immigration laws requires expert legal representation.
With an attorney, immigrants stand a fighting chance against deportation— a situation reflected in Feldman’s experience; none of her clients have faced deportation in her tenure as an immigration attorney.
Each case underscores the vital role that skilled representation plays in navigating the convoluted legal system.
Interest in learning immigration law has surged, especially in light of the alarm stemming from the Trump administration’s policies aimed at ramping up immigration enforcement.
On January 22, RMIAN received a stop-work order for several federally funded legal programs, jeopardizing support for thousands of immigrants needing help.
Although these programs were restored, considerable time was lost in the process.
Carly Howenstein, who coordinates RMIAN’s legal education programs, stresses that the urgent need for representation has not diminished.
The challenges continue, and the system remains under strain as communities grapple with ongoing threats to their safety.
In spite of the obstacles, Howenstein sees a powerful impact from RMIAN’s training workshops.
For instance, after attending an RMIAN event, Jeff Pearson, a seasoned attorney, took initiative and encouraged friends and retired colleagues to engage with the training, aiming to bolster the number of legal professionals available for free legal services.
However, the demand for assistance continues to outweigh the available resources.
Feldman reflects on her experiences in the detention center, where families regularly pleaded for help with their loved ones’ immigration cases.
“Almost every time I was sitting there, somebody would approach and ask, ‘Are you a lawyer? Can you help my son? Can you help my sister? Can you help?’” she recalls.
The lack of affordable legal representation persists in Colorado, with a few organizations like RMIAN stepping in to fill gaps.
Many individuals are compelled to face the daunting immigration system alone due to limited options.
Programs like the University of Colorado’s Immigration Defense Clinic, led by clinical professor Violeta Chapin, provide much-needed pro bono legal support through student involvement.
Students, like second-year law student Hunter Parnell, gain hands-on experience, which highlights the disparity between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice of law.
The clinical setting allows students to learn the practical applications of legal principles, particularly regarding how to navigate interactions with law enforcement.
Mousa, another law student involved in the clinic, believes that while social movements are crucial, the most profound changes often transpire in legislative halls or courtrooms.
This sentiment echoed during protests on February 5, when demonstrators across the country mobilized against the aggressive immigration policies propelled by Trump’s administration.
Activism is taking many forms and plays an essential role, whether it’s through street demonstrations or behind-the-scenes lobbying in legislative chambers.
Caitlin Trent, a volunteer with the Colorado Rapid Response Network, faced challenges during an ICE raid in Denver, where she provided legal advice from outside a restricted area.
Using a megaphone, she informed residents of their rights, which led to a minimal number detained amidst a larger planned operation.
Such actions underline how community education on rights can help protect individuals in precarious situations.
Trent also serves as the political director for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, where she has worked to advocate for legislative changes that protect vulnerable populations.
Amidst all these efforts, Nick Pierce from Amistad Law, which primarily assists Afghan families, highlights the struggles faced by individuals who risked their lives to support U.S. efforts abroad.
Pierce recalls profoundly impactful moments with clients, particularly one Afghan family whose desperate situation underscored the urgent need for assistance.
After persevering through court, the family achieved asylum, finally earning access to critical resources, including housing and work permits.
However, ongoing challenges remain due to the current administration’s policies that pause green card processing for approved asylum seekers.
Such hurdles perpetuate a sense of uncertainty for clients who have legally established their right to remain in the U.S. but face additional barriers to achieving permanent residency.
The Colorado Asylum Center, led by Christina Brown, hosts regular clinics to support those seeking asylum but unable to afford legal counsel.
Through dedicated volunteer efforts, the center aims to equip individuals with the knowledge needed to articulate their cases effectively, proving how vital legal representation is in this realm.
Brown acknowledges the overwhelming demand for assistance but believes that individuals should contribute however they can to bolster support for immigrant communities.
Yet, the prevalent challenge is that resources are perpetually insufficient for the rising need.
Lawyers and advocates within the immigration field agree: the landscape remains uncertain, and the difficulties for immigrants are far from over.
Chapin articulates a belief that the logistical feasibility of President Trump’s mass deportation ambitions is doubtful, yet the intensity of enforcement strategies continues to ramp up.
As the present immigration system navigates increasing strains, many advocate organizations persist in their efforts, although the fears of escalating conditions loom large.
The sentiment of vulnerability shared by many immigrants articulately illustrates the ongoing human impact of this challenging political environment.
Brown succinctly summarizes the situation facing immigrants today, stressing that improvements might still be years away, creating a deep concern for those currently enduring the challenges posed by the immigration process.
image source from：coloradosun
