Legal Issues Surrounding Central American Refugees in the United States

On Human Rights Day, join attorneys Ernie Collette, Claire R. Thomas, Carlos A. Valenzuela, and advocate Marilyn E. Alvarado to address what is called the “Other Refugee Crisis” - one that is happening much closer to home. The panel will discuss the reasons behind migration of Central American women and children and the history of immigration detention in the U.S. Discussion points include:

• a federal judge’s order for the release of refugee mothers and children from detention on multiple occasions (though these asylum-seekers are still being detained);

• the for-profit detention industry;

• the families (often young women and their children) that continue to be housed in remote locations in Texas and Pennsylvania, denied medical care, and left without counsel to argue their release from detention and their right to seek asylum in the U.S.;

• the impact of trauma on immigrants, particularly those in detention; and

• the legal elements involved in credible and reasonable fear determinations as the first step to an asylum case and release from immigration detention.

As there is no appointed counsel in immigration deportation (removal) proceedings, join this panel to learn what you can do to help make a difference in this ongoing denial of the human rights of women and children seeking safety in the U.S.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the history of immigration detention and family detention in the United States
2. Recognize the reasons behind the immigration of Central American families
3. Appreciate how trauma impacts the ability of these asylum-seekers to articulate their claims for immigration relief
4. Identify various legal issues surrounding these detainees
5. Address Credible and Reasonable Fear Interviews and their components
6. Discover what you can do to help vulnerable immigrant children and family groups facing removal from the United States