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    Publications

    PRACTICE ADVISORY: Common Obstacles when Representing Afghans in Immigration Proceedings

    This practice advisory is intended to orient practitioners navigating common obstacles in the representation of Afghan asylum-seekers in the United States. The advisory illuminates the complexities of these matters by discussing the historical context of the crises in Afghanistan, common types of Afghan asylum cases; commonly applied bars to asylum; potential ethical issues; considerations for Afghans arriving at the Southern border; and an appendix of tools and resources.

    Download the advisory - here

    Border Primer: Immigration Enforcement Mechanisms at the U.S. Border

    The Border Primer has been updated! The U.S. southern border has been the subject of a great deal of scrutiny by policy makers, legislators, the federal judiciary, and the media. This primer aims to provide a broad introduction to the enforcement mechanisms employed at the U.S. southern border for practitioners and others seeking to understand them. Major contributions were given by Commission members Denise Gilman, Melissa Crow, Deena Sharuk, as well as Commission staff.

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    Guide For Family & Friends Of Individuals In ICE Detention

    When a friend or family member is arrested and placed in immigration detention, it can be devastating. It is common for family and friends to wonder: What happens next? What are my loved one’s rights? What resources are available to help them? This guide describes Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) responsibilities to detained individuals.

    Download The Guide - Here

    ICE Detention Standards: Immigration Detention Facilities’ Responsibilities and Detained Individuals’ Rights: A Guide for Practitioners

    This resource was envisioned and drafted by COI Special Advisor Dora Schriro, to help inform practitioners who work with individuals in ICE detention centers about ICE detention standards. We are very proud to offer this resource because it does not only summarize the most salient detention standards, but it also provides useful information on how and where to make complaints when individuals’ rights are violated.

    Read The Guide - Here

    Achieving America’s Immigration Promise: ABA Recommendations to Advance Justice, Fairness and Efficiency

    This document lays out the ABA’s top policy recommendations in the immigration system for the new administration. The document is divided into five sections, all priority areas for ABA policy and advocacy efforts: I. Reform the administrative adjudication process; II. Ensure access to counsel: III. Minimize reliance on immigration detention; IV. Restore humanitarian protections; and V. Preserve the rights of unaccompanied immigrant children.

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    Pro Bono Matters for Children Facing Deportation

    Thousands of children must face immigration judges each year without appointed counsel. With representation, asylum seekers have a five times greater chance of winning their case. Follow the link for pro bono opportunities nationwide to support children. Funded by the Vera Institute of Justice, "Pro Bono Matters for Children Facing Deportation" allows lawyers to search and share available pro bono cases for unaccompanied children (UC) detained by the federal government or released to live with family members while in deportation proceedings.

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    ICE Detention Handbooks on Access to Counsel

    2019 Update Report: Reforming the Immigration System

    Update Report

    Standards for the Custody, Placement and Care; Legal Representation; and Adjudication of Unaccompanied Alien Children in the United States

    The purpose of this resource is to establish best practices and to provide commentary and citations for further reference. If you would like to order a hard copy, please contact Nicole Gasmen at [email protected].

     Full report - Here

    ABA Civil Immigration Detention Standards

    ABA Civil Immigration Detention Standards

    In August 2012, the ABA House of Delegates adopted the ABA Civil Immigration Detention Standards, which outline how a truly civil immigration detention system should look and operate, with the goal of offering a framework for reforming the current immigration detention system, particularly in areas of concern to the ABA.

     Full report - Here

    Pro Se Materials