TEACHING, INTERPRETING AND CHANGING LAW SINCE 1979 ...

Winter 2013

Immigrant AdvocateT E AC H I N G , I N T E R P R E T I N G A N D C H A N G I N G L AW S I N C E 1 97 9

...continued on page 3...continued on page 2

The

Immigrant rights groups won a major victory this year with the passage of the Transparency and Responsibility Using State Tools (TRUST) Act. On October 5, 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed the TRUST Act, limiting the collaboration between local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Prior to this legislation, ICE regularly requested local law enforcement detain noncitizens (including undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents, and individuals holding other immigration statuses) for 48 hours, plus weekends and federal holidays or more in an attempt to deport them. Under the Trust Act, authored by California Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, local law enforcement will be limited in the circumstances under which they can detain an individual for ICE. This will ultimately lead to fewer people across California being deported.

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) was active in the TRUST Act’s development and is working on educating advocates, implementing the law, and monitoring compliance of the Act. Along with other partners, the ILRC will continue to assist

Building TRUST Between Immigrant Families and Law Enforcement

ILRC was active in the TRUST Act’s development and is working on educating advocates, implementing the law, and monitoring compliance of the Act.

Helping Lawful Permanent Residents Become U.S. CitizensThe New Americans Campaign is achieving a profound impact on naturalization through a national network of IXQGHUV�DQG�QRQSURÀW�SDUWQHUV��2I�WKH�����PLOOLRQ�ODZIXO�permanent residents (LPRs) eligible to naturalize, fewer than one million apply each year. The Campaign helps LPRs become U.S. citizens by providing creative solutions to the RIWHQ�GLIÀFXOW�DQG�H[SHQVLYH�QDWXUDOL]DWLRQ�SURFHVV��$V�WKH�lead agency for the Campaign, ILRC runs a multi-million dollar initiative with nearly a hundred partners throughout the U.S. Together we are adopting cutting edge innovations to LPSURYH�WKH�HIÀFLHQF\�DQG�LPSDFW�RI�QDWXUDOL]DWLRQ�SURJUDPV��Through the New Americans Campaign, we are learning how to better leverage technology, communications, and QHZ�SDUWQHUVKLSV�LQ�LPPLJUDWLRQ��7KLV�H[SHULHQFH�ZLOO�EH�invaluable should Comprehensive Immigration Reform pass.

In November, ILRC and Campaign partners joined fellow LPPLJUDQW�DGYRFDWHV�DW�WKH�VL[WK�1DWLRQDO�,PPLJUDQW�Integration Conference in Miami, the largest immigration and naturalization conference nationwide. ILRC Director of Programs, Melissa Rodgers, was invited to assist in planning the citizenship track and participated in a plenary panel on The Role of Naturalization in Immigrant Integration. This discussion highlighted the importance of naturalization

Melissa Rodgers, ILRC Director of Programs, speaking at the

National Immigrant Integration Conference

A Year of ProgressThe U.S. Senate’s passage of an immigration reform bill this summer offered hope for immigrant families across the country. This is truly a historic time for immigrant families and the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants whose lives would be impacted by this bill. We all have an opportunity and an obligation to continue pushing forward to keep families together.

ILRC has been advocating for immigrant rights for 34 years and in 2013 we continued this important work, engaging nationally, state-wide, and locally. Our presence in Washington, D.C. allows us to strengthen immigrant voices and ensure just representation in the immigration reform process. In California, we worked in coalitions that helped pass the Due Process for All Ordinance and the TRUST Act, safeguarding undocumented immigrants and promoting trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. We fought a long and arduous battle for the right of immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, working alongside immigrant groups from all over California. Through the New Americans Campaign, we are helping legal permanent residents obtain citizenship across the nation by breaking down many of the barriers WKDW�KDYH�PDGH�WKH�SURFHVV�VR�GLIÀFXOW�

2XU�H[SHUWLVH�LQ�LPPLJUDWLRQ�ODZ�VWUHQJWKHQV�WKH�ÀJKW�for immigrant rights in our nation. We have created free resources in response to the ever-changing landscape of immigration. When the Defense of Marriage Act was ruled unconstitutional, ILRC responded quickly by providing resources for the immigrant community and those who serve LGBT immigrants. In January ������,/5&�SXEOLVKHG�WKH�ÀUVW�FRPSUHKHQVLYH�PDQXDO�for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Additional resources we offer include an RYHUYLHZ�RI�OHVVRQV�OHDUQHG�IURP�RXU�SDVW�H[SHULHQFH�with immigration reform, presented by ILRC founder, Bill +LQJ�DQG�P\VHOI��8WLOL]LQJ�RXU�SURÀFLHQF\�DQG�WHFKQLFDO�H[SHUWLVH�LQ�FRPSOH[�LPPLJUDWLRQ�ODZ��,/5&�SURYLGHV�critical resources to the immigrant community and the advocates who serve them.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform remains a top priority for our nation, and we are dedicated to advancing the rights of all immigrants. In 2013 we witnessed the growth of an amazing movement for immigration reform. This is a historic opportunity and ZH�ZLOO�FRQWLQXH�ÀJKWLQJ�IRU�LPPLJUDQW�IDPLOLHV��:H�thank you for partnering with us in this vital work and for continuing to support the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

local counties in pushing for more progressive ICE hold policies. We were active in a coalition that helped pass a new San Francisco policy in November that severely limits the circumstances in which noncitizens may be transferred to ICE. ILRC was also engaged in another coalition that helped preserve Santa Clara County’s no-hold policy, one of the few policies in the country which eliminates all cooperation between law enforcement and immigration authorities.

Having a statewide standard for limiting interaction with ICE is crucial in these times of increased immigration enforcement. In 2012, a record high of 409,849 deportations occurred in the United States, many of those in California. Cooperation with ICE for local law enforcement is discretionary, and under the TRUST Act this collaboration is restricted to only if any of a series of criminal offenses apply. The TRUST Act sets a minimum standard that counties must follow, giving time to one day pass more progressive policies, such as the ones WKDW�H[LVW�LQ�6DQ�)UDQFLVFR�DQG�6DQWD�&ODUD�&RXQW\��

Ultimately, the best policy treats citizens and noncitizens equally by not enforcing any ICE hold requests at all. Through these progressive hold policies, the ILRC is working hard to keep families together, limit deportations, and build trust between immigrant families and law enforcement.

ILRC has been advocating for immigrant rights for 34 years and in 2013 we continued this important work.

Eric Cohen

Executive Director, ILRC

Building TRUST Between Immigrant Families and Law Enforcement (continued)...

2

Únete Latina!: Connecting Latina Women in Fresno County with Vital Resources When a friend told Lucila about a problem she was KDYLQJ�ZLWK�KHU�KXVEDQG��/XFLOD�NQHZ�H[DFWO\�ZKHUH�WR�WXUQ��D�WH[W�PHVVDJH��/XFLOD�VKRZHG�KHU�IULHQG�D�message from Únete Latina!��/DWLQD��-RLQ�8V���D�WH[WLQJ�campaign and website that connects Latina women in Fresno County with domestic violence resources as well as health and legal services.

Women who sign up for Únete

Latina!�UHFHLYH�WH[W�PHVVDJHV�HDFK�week with information carefully selected to meet their needs. Designed by Latinas for Latinas, all the information is in Spanish and VSHFLÀFDOO\�GHVLJQHG�WR�UHDFK�/DWLQD�immigrant women in Fresno County.

The genesis of Únete Latina! began when the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and Youth+Technology+Health (YTH) talked with over 100 Latina women about domestic violence and the many obstacles they face to access health and legal resources. ILRC attorney, Lourdes Martinez, and YTH project manager, Alejandra

Olguin, formed an advisory council with Latina women from Fresno County to help create this impactful campaign.

Fear—of deportation, law enforcement, abuse, or social repercussions—prevents many Latina women from accessing the support they need and can devastate their self-esteem. Únete Latina! combats fear and bolsters self-worth by fostering a community of empowerment, resourcefulness, courage, and love. Inspired by Únete

Latina’s�DGYLVRU\�FRXQFLO��PDQ\�RI�WKH�WH[W�PHVVDJHV�sent to participants include inspirational messages

of compassion and self-value. Messages also include information about deportation relief for immigrant youth, and other services available to immigrant families.

The women who sign up for these messages have shared that receiving Únete Latina!�WH[W�PHVVDJHV�KHOSV�WKHP�UHOD[�DQG�

makes them feel supported. It reminds them they are not alone and they have a place to go when they or someone they know needs help.

If you or someone you know would like more information about Únete Latina!, please visit www.unetelatina.org.

Para enterarte de servicios que estan para ti

Helping LPRs Become U.S. Citizens (continued)...to our democracy and how the New Americans Campaign achieves higher naturalization rates. During a presentation on The History and Future of Citizenship

Applications, Melissa joined peers in sharing views on the barriers to naturalization and the solutions the Campaign has deployed.

Following the conference, ILRC hosted a three-day convening of New Americans Campaign funders, and ORFDO�DQG�QDWLRQDO�SDUWQHUV��WR�H[FKDQJH�EHVW�SUDFWLFHV�and build the Campaign’s strategy for the near future.

Melissa Rogers commented about the convening, “The depth of the collaboration and exchange of ideas shows that we have succeeded in building a vibrant network of naturalization services across the country.” The New Americans Campaign has made great strides and 2014 promises to continue our efforts to help LPRs become U.S. citizens.

To learn more about the Campaign visitwww.newamericanscampaign.org/documentary.

New Americans Campaign, Innovating By:

• Creating “Citizenship Corners” in nearly every branch of the Los Angeles Public Library that provide resources to LPRs, an approach now contemplated for libraries nationwide.

• Increasing access to information through the &LWL]HQVKLS:RUNV�WH[W�PHVVDJLQJ�FDPSDLJQ��7H[WLQJ�“citizenship” (or “ciudadania” in Spanish) to 877877 provides locations of the nearest naturalization application assistance provider, more information on the naturalization process, and community events.

• Using Houston Public Library’s mobile computer bus to conduct offsite naturalization workshops throughout Houston city limits.

• Partnering with businesses that employ large numbers of LPRs and bringing naturalization services to worksites through the Bethlehem Project.

3

Improving Immigrant Access to Health Care For most Americans, a visit to the doctor is a part of their standard routine for maintaining a healthy family. For many immigrant families, however, a doctor visit can bring about DQ[LHW\�DQG�IHDU��D�IHDU�WKDW�DFFHVVLQJ�KHDOWK�FDUH�ZLOO�jeopardize their immigration status. When children are VLFN��WKHUH�H[LVWV�D�FRQFHUQ�WKDW�D�KRVSLWDO�YLVLW�FRXOG�end in deportation. Fortunately, many of these concerns are unfounded. Unfortunately, a lack of information is stopping immigrant families from seeking out essential health care services.

ILRC is working to combat these misconceptions and LQFUHDVH�LPPLJUDQW�DFFHVV�WR�KHDOWK�FDUH��2XU�H[SHUW�attorneys are training health care providers, educating immigrants at community meetings, and informing the media of the barriers families face. ILRC is in the Central Valley and Contra Costa County chipping away at these barriers, focusing on areas with a concentrated immigrant population.

This project provides critical information to immigrant IDPLOLHV��HVSHFLDOO\�WKRVH�LQ�PL[HG�LPPLJUDWLRQ�VWDWXV�households, regarding eligibility and misconceptions DERXW�YDULRXV�KHDOWK�FDUH�RSWLRQV��0L[HG�VWDWXV�IDPLOLHV�are common and can include a combination of people who are undocumented, permanent residents, or U.S. citizens. Because family members have different statuses, these families receive confusing information about eligibility and have special concerns. Discussions of programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals teach health care workers how to address the concerns of undocumented older children while providing health FDUH�WR�8�6��FLWL]HQ�FKLOGUHQ��$V�H[SHUWV�LQ�LPPLJUDWLRQ�law, ILRC provides information on potential immigration relief to health care workers and advocates. Armed with

this essential information, advocates are able to alleviate fears and address the pressing concerns that hinder access to health care.

,/5&·V�WUDLQLQJV�DUH�WDLORUHG�WR�ÀW�WKH�QHHGV�RI�LPPLJUDQW�communities and health care providers. We address issues facing immigrant families and how health and safety issues can affect their eligibility for immigration VWDWXV��)RU�H[DPSOH��VRPH�PD\�TXDOLI\�IRU�LPPLJUDWLRQ�opportunities through Special Juvenile Immigration Status for abused, neglected, and abandoned children and minors in protective custody. Additionally, the immigration status of immigrant victims of domestic violence is protected under the Violence Against Women Act. Through ILRC trainings, health care providers are empowered to present these options, as well as others, and improve immigrant access to health care.

Our efforts have already reached over 4,000 immigrants in Contra Costa County and the Central Valley through community meetings for immigrants and trainings for health care and social service providers. Health care providers working closely with immigrant families now have the tools to diminish fears regarding immigration concerns, and are equipped to build more successful relationships with the immigrants they serve. Thanks to the success of this project, ILRC has secured additional IXQGLQJ�WR�H[SDQG�LQWR�QRUWKHUQ�&HQWUDO�9DOOH\�FRXQWLHV�in 2014. For more information on increasing immigrant access to health care, contact ILRC Staff Attorney, Erin Quinn at [email protected]. ILRC attorneys are training

health care providers, educating immigrants at community meetings, and informing the media of the barriers families face.

Support Immigrant FamiliesYour gift provides vital assistance to immigrant families and the lawyers, advocates and other allies working on their behalf. The coming year holds immense opportunities for change. With your help ZH�ZLOO�FRQWLQXH�ÀJKWLQJ�IRU�LPPLJUDQW�ULJKWV��DQG�IRU�fair and just reform.

Support immigrant families and ILRC today by:

• Making a gift at www.ilrc.org/donate.

• Including ILRC in your estate plans.

Thank you for your commitment to our work and to immigrant families.

Contact Edith Hong, Director of Development at [email protected] or (415) 321-8536 for more information.

4

AB 60: A Legislative Victory Years in the MakingImmigrants and those who value justice and safety on our roads won a historic victory in October when California Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 60. This landmark legislation allows undocumented immigrants to apply for a form of drivers license. The successful enactment of this law was a culmination of over 15 years of dedicated efforts by the immigrant community and its supporters.

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has been part of this effort since the late 1990s. ILRC staff attorney, Mark Silverman, recalls going to Sacramento in the early 2000s along with popular Spanish radio host, Marcos Gutierrez. They broadcasted live from the Capitol and brought petitions with tens of thousands of signatures to the state legislature in support of allowing undocumented drivers to apply for licenses.

Before AB 60 takes effect, local law enforcement can stop undocumented drivers without licenses and detain vehicles for up to 30 days. With their only means of transportation to their jobs taken away, many immigrants and their American children—who were often already low-income families—VWUXJJOHG�WKURXJK�HQRUPRXV�ÀQDQFLDO�KDUGVKLSV�

“Many people felt that they could not do anything about their cars being impounded, and they felt impotent,” says Leonel Flores, Coordinator of the Union de Inmigrantes y Refugiados (UNIR: Union of Immigrants and Refugees) in Fresno. “But now they have learned that, through the campaign to obtain licenses and the subsequent victory, they can make a difference.”

Immigrant advocacy groups throughout California and media personalities played a key role in the license campaign when the author of AB 60 pulled the bill for consideration because of some controversial provisions. They instantly mobilized thousands of telephone calls which resulted in the reinstatement of the bill, its passage by the legislature, and its eventual signature by Governor Brown.

ILRC continues to support this effort by providing advice and assistance. This victory has given birth to a coalition of groups that is asking cities, counties, the California Highway Patrol, and the Governor to implement a moratorium on the impoundment of cars by police until after AB 60 takes effect, which may not be until as late as January 1, 2015. ILRC is H[FLWHG�WR�FRQWLQXH�ZRUNLQJ�ZLWK�JUDVV�URRWV�RUJDQL]DWLRQV�to ensure justice and safety for immigrant families and all Californians.

For more information or to help, contact Mark Silverman at [email protected].

Message from ILRC Staff Attorney, Lourdes MartinezA Filipino-American friend once told me that those of us who come from multi-cultural backgrounds are perched on the hyphen that links our two identities. My parents brought P\�VLVWHU�DQG�PH�WR�7H[DV�IURP�0H[LFR�DV�WHHQDJHUV��,Q�WKH�years that followed, I searched for a way to belong DV�D�0H[LFDQ�$PHULFDQ��

,�PHW�P\�ÀUVW�IULHQGV�LQ�WKH�8QLWHG�6WDWHV�LQ�(QJOLVK�as a Second Language (ESL) class. They were from places completely foreign to me: China, Japan, .RUHD��DQG�7DLZDQ��,�WDVWHG�WRIX�IRU�WKH�ÀUVW�WLPH��listened to Korean pop music, and learned to embrace these things as if they were my own. I felt a kinship with my ESL friends because we all IDFHG�VLPLODU�FKDOOHQJHV�LQ�WU\LQJ�WR�ÀW�LQ��2IWHQ�times, when it felt like a lost cause, we longed for the familiarity of our old schools, our old streets, and our old friends. Belonging in the U.S. was so important to us, because we had left our homes behind and this was a way to heal the longing.

This search for an American identity throughout my adolescence led me to a class on multiculturalism DQG�GLYHUVLW\�LQ�FROOHJH��7KHUH�,�ÀQDOO\�DUULYHG�DW�DQ�LGHQWLW\�WKDW�ÀW�PH�DV�ZHOO�DV�P\�(6/�IULHQGV��immigrant. This realization gave me a profound sense of belonging and helped me develop a purpose for my life’s work.

0\�ÀUVW�MRE�RXW�RI�FROOHJH�ZDV�DW�DQ�LPPLJUDWLRQ�ODZ�ÀUP��,�OHDUQHG�KRZ�WR�FRPSOHWH�DQG�ÀOH�P\�RZQ�naturalization application, and assisted my parents and sister with theirs. For immigrants, this process PHDQV�PRUH�WKDQ�MXVW�ÀOLQJ�SDSHUZRUN��,W�YDOLGDWHV�the risk, the work, the hardship, and the hope of our SHUVRQDO�H[SHULHQFH��HPEUDFLQJ�XV�DQG�HYHU\WKLQJ�we’ve brought with us as a part of this nation.

Today, I am fortunate to be at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. The ILRC believes that immigrants enrich our culture and our society, and this fundamental appreciation for their contributions drives the work we do. I am profoundly grateful to be in a place that helps other immigrants in their journey to belong.

5

ILRC In The Community Celebrating 34 years of advancing immigrant rights across the nation.

Look for us at these conferences in 2014:

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) NW Immigration ConferenceFebruary 20 – 21, Portland, Oregon

Association of American Law Schools Conference on Clinical Legal Education April 27 – 30, Chicago, Illinois

AILA Annual ConferenceJune 18 – 21, Boston, Massachusetts

American Association of Law Libraries Annual Meeting and Exhibits-XO\����²�����6DQ�$QWRQLR��7H[DV

Spring 2014 Training Events Calendar

Our Spring 2014 Training Events Calendar will be available in early January. We will be hosting a number of seminars and webinars on various immigration law topics including: U visa, removal and deportation, criminal immigration, DACA, family-based immigration, citizenship, and asylum. Stay tuned for the complete schedule, coming your way very soon!

OCA Honors Bill Hing ILRC Founder, General Counsel, and Board Member, Bill Hing, was honored by the Organization of Chinese Americans San Mateo County Chapter on September 14th at their Annual Fundraiser and Awards Gala. Bill received an achievement award for his work in WKH�$VLDQ�3DFLÀF�$PHULFDQ�FRPPXQLW\��Other honorees included California State Senator Jerry Hill (left) and Charlie Chin, author and musician (right).

EBSC Honors Eric CohenThe East Bay Sanctuary Covenant KRQRUHG�,/5&�([HFXWLYH�'LUHFWRU��(ULF�Cohen and two others at its annual event. Eric accepted the well-deserved award saying that he was really accepting it on behalf of the staff and board who make the ILRC such a remarkable organization. He talked about the importance of citizenship and called himself an “evangelist for citizenship,” which is evident in the work he carries out at the ILRC.

Rebellious Lawyering ConferenceThe Rebellious Lawyering Conference, held in Santa Fe, NM, promotes a deliberate and non-traditional approach to lawyering. The conference gathers people who practice rebelliously and seek to learn, share, and create solutions with a national community of rebellious practitioners. ILRC staff attorneys attended the conference, ZKLFK�IHDWXUHG�,/5&�)RXQGHU��%LOO�+LQJ�DQG�([HFXWLYH�'LUHFWRU��(ULF�Cohen.

Bill Hing, Grisel Ruiz, Erin Quinn, Aidín Castillo, Lourdes Martinez, and Eric

Cohen from ILRC at the Rebellious Lawyering Conference.

Not One More Deportation ConferenceILRC Law Fellow, Grisel Ruiz, presented in a workshop in the Not One More Deportation Conference in October. Grisel covered the San Francisco detainer policy and provided details on how people can engage in their own local campaigns for policy changes. The FRQIHUHQFH��KHOG�LQ�3KRHQL[��$UL]RQD��ZDV�VSRQVRUHG�E\�WKH�1DWLRQDO�Day Laborer Organizing Network.

National Immigrant Integration ConferenceILRC joined fellow immigrant advocates at the National Immigrant Integration Conference. Melissa Rodgers, ILRC Director of Programs participated on a panel, The Role of Naturalization in Immigrant Integration. See the front page for more details.

In Memory of Cindy Avitia ILRC pays tribute to Cindy Avitia, a fearless advocate for immigrants and a good friend of the ILRC. A San Jose UHVLGHQW��&LQG\�ZDV�WKH�ÀUVW�person in her family to be born in the United States. As a Congressional Assistant to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Cindy dedicated her career to immigration, labor, transportation, and homeland security. ILRC honored Cindy with the 2011 Phillip Burton Award for Immigration & Civil Rights Policy, recognizing her commitment and dedication to the immigrant community. Our heartfelt condolences to Cindy and her family. She will be dearly missed.

6

Inadmissibility & Deportability, 3rd EditionAn easy to use reference for the most common grounds of inadmissibility and

deportability.

This practical and easy to use manual is ideal for beginning immigration attorneys, SDUDOHJDOV��QRQSURÀW�FRPPXQLW\�EDVHG�RUJDQL]DWLRQV�DQG�RWKHU�DGYRFDWHV��,W�IRFXVHV�RQ�the grounds of inadmissibility, deportability and waivers, and covers the essential topics for representing immigrant clients.

Highlights• Important new updates to the criminal grounds of admissibility and deportability.• Up-to-date discussion of the categorical approach in immigration proceedings, with consideration of the

Supreme Court holdings in Moncrieffe v. Holder and Descamps v. United States.• Clearly outlined process for the new provisional waiver for unlawful presence.• Includes a sample waiver argument, charts, tips, samples, and practical suggestions.

Motions to Suppress, 2nd EditionAn essential reference book for immigration practitioners faced with the new and troubling landscape of

immigration enforcement.

This essential and informative new edition covers the relevant sources of law needed to H[FOXGH�XQODZIXOO\�REWDLQHG�HYLGHQFH�LQ�LPPLJUDWLRQ�FRXUW��SURYLGHV�VDPSOH�PRWLRQV�WR�suppress, and addresses the rights of detained immigrants.

Highlights• &OHDU�H[SODQDWLRQV�RQ�WKH�ODZ�DQG�WKHRU\�QHHGHG�WR�VXSSUHVV�HYLGHQFH�LQ�

immigration court, including the constitutional, statutory and regulatory rights of immigrants at work, at home or in public places.

• 6WHS�E\�VWHS�JXLGDQFH�RQ�WKH�SURFHGXUH�IRU�ÀOLQJ�DQG�OLWLJDWLQJ�D�PRWLRQ�WR�suppress, including an outline of the chronological steps for preparing a motion to suppress, models for client intake, and sample motions to suppress to illustrate the arguments to preserve and assert your clients’ rights.

• $�FKDSWHU�GHGLFDWHG�WR�ÀJKWLQJ�GHWDLQHUV�LVVXHG�E\�'+6�WR�KROG�LPPLJUDQWV�LQ�ORFDO�FXVWRG\�DZDLWLQJ�SLFN�up by ICE.

• Discussion of the rights of immigrants in detention and administrative complaint options.

Joining the ILRC FamilyLena Graber – Special Projects AttorneyLena has been involved in immigrant rights work for ten years, focusing on enforcement and detention issues. She will lead ILRC’s DACA work and contribute to manuals and enforcement advocacy. Prior to joining the ILRC, Lena was a Soros Justice Fellow at the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, where she supported local campaigns against ICE detainers and litigated constitutional rights cases related to ICE enforcement. Previously at the National Immigration Forum, Lena worked with border communities to improve DFFRXQWDELOLW\�IRU�KXPDQ�ULJKWV�DEXVHV�E\�%RUGHU�3DWURO��/HQD�LV�D�SURÀFLHQW�6SDQLVK�VSHDNHU��D�WDS�GDQFHU��and was once a mime.

Alison Kamhi - Staff Attorney$OLVRQ�LV�D�GHGLFDWHG�LPPLJUDQW�ULJKWV�DGYRFDWH�ZKR�EULQJV�VLJQLÀFDQW�H[SHULHQFH�LQ�LPPLJUDWLRQ�ODZ�WR�WKH�ILRC. Prior to ILRC, she worked as a Clinical Teaching Fellow at the Stanford Law School Immigrants’ Rights &OLQLF��$OLVRQ·V�SUHYLRXV�H[SHULHQFH�DOVR�LQFOXGHV�%D\�$UHD�/HJDO�$LG��&DWKROLF�&KDULWLHV�&RPPXQLW\�6HUYLFHV��the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project. Following law VFKRRO��$OLVRQ�FOHUNHG�IRU�WKH�+RQRUDEOH�-XOLD�*LEERQV�LQ�WKH�8�6��&RXUW�RI�$SSHDOV�IRU�WKH�6L[WK�&LUFXLW��$�IRUPHU�Fulbright Scholar and Skadden Fellowship recipient, she received her J.D. from Harvard Law School and her B.A. from Stanford University. Alison enjoys playing the piano, traveling, and singing karaoke.

Sarah Letson - Best Practices Manager, New Americans Campaign6DUDK�MRLQHG�WKH�1HZ�$PHULFDQV�&DPSDLJQ�LQ�$XJXVW��EULQJLQJ�VHYHQ�\HDUV�RI�H[SHULHQFH�LQ�VRFLDO�VHUYLFHV�and data analysis. A graduate of the University of Chicago, she began her career helping resettle refugees from HDVWHUQ�$IULFD�LQWR�&KLFDJR��6DUDK�VSHQW�WKH�ODVW�ÀYH�\HDUV�ZRUNLQJ�LQ�KRPHOHVV�VHUYLFHV��WUDLQLQJ�VWDII�RQ�KRZ�best to capture and use client data, as well as helping shape regional policies and best practices around data for homeless programs. Sarah is originally from Connecticut, and spent many years in Chicago before moving to the Bay Area. She enjoys gardening, dancing, the outdoors, and is a bit of a foodie.

Leaving the ILRCSpecial acknowledgement and thank you to Leah Muse-Orlinoff, Barbara Pinto and Su Yon Yi for all of the work they accomplished during their tenures at the ILRC. We will miss you all.

Updated Publications ILRC Staff(ULF�&RKHQ��([HFXWLYH�'LUHFWRUSally Kinoshita, Deputy DirectorBill Hing, General CounselDonald Ungar, Of CounselAnn Block, Contract AttorneyKathy Brady, Staff Attorney(FKR�%URZQ��7HPSRUDU\�2IÀFH�0DQDJHUAidín Castillo, Immigration Policy AttorneyPhilip Garcia, Acting Assistant DirectorLena Graber , Special Projects AttorneyEdith Hong, Director of DevelopmentJonathan Huang, IT ManagerAngie Junck, Supervising AttorneyAlison Kamhi, Staff AttorneyShari Kurita, Assistant DirectorSarah Letson, Best Practices Manager, New Americans CampaignLourdes Martinez, Staff AttorneyAfroz Mirza, Program AssistantLinda Mogannam, Marketing ManagerDeirdre O’Shea, Foundations Relations ManagerErin Quinn, Staff AttorneyMelissa Rodgers, Director of ProgramsGrisel Ruiz, Law Fellow/AttorneyMatrayi Saksena, Marketing CoordinatorAndrew Shaffer, Development CoordinatorTimothy Sheehan, Publication & Program CoordinatorMark Silverman, Staff AttorneyByron Spicer, Finance CoordinatorVirginia Wright, Finance Director

Board of DirectorsCynthia AlvarezRichard BoswellEva GroveBill HingSallie KimLisa LindelefLawrence MiaoRichard W. OdgersGuadalupe Siordia OrtizLisa Spiegel, Board ChairReginald D. SteerDonald UngarHon. James L. Warren (Ret.)Allen S. WeinerRoger WuLee Zeigler

Advisory BoardJohn Burton, Chair, John Burton

Foundation for Children Without

Homes and Former President Pro

Tem of the California State Senate

Nancy Pelosi, Democratic

Leader, United States House of

Representatives

Cruz Reynoso, Professor of Law,

UC Davis School of Law and former Justice of the California Supreme

Court

7

Immigrant Legal Resource Center 1663 Mission Street, Suite 602San Francisco, California 94103

NONPROFIT ORG

U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

PERMIT NO. 2314

The Immigrant Advocate Winter 2013

In this issue...• Building TRUST Between Immigrant

Communities and Law Enforcement

• Únete Latina! Connecting Latina

Women with Vital Resources

• Improving Immigrant Access to

Healthcare

1,500The Campaign has held over 1,500 naturalization events.

8.8million

The estimated number of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) eligible for naturalization.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

$67 millionThe Campaign, along with local partners, has saved LPRs an estimated $67 million through fee waivers and free/low-cost legal services.

Read more inside on the New Americans Campaign and our efforts to increase naturalization rates across the country.

The Campaign has helped complete over

80,000naturalization applications.