Making a Case

Detained immigrants are not provided with a government paid-lawyer. You have the right to an attorney but only if you can pay for one yourself. As a result, 84% of detained immigrants represent themselves in immigration court.

While it is challenging, don't give up just because you don't have an attorney. There is a lot that you and your family members can do to present your case in front of a judge.

You CAN succeed on your own. ¡Si Se Puede!

Here are some resources to help you:

Immigration Detention and Removal: A Guide for Detainees and their Families by Bryan Lonegan and the Immigration Law Unit of the Legal Aid Society

Know Your Rights Materials from the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project.

These Step by Step Guides walk you through the process of applying for multiple forms of relief including Asylum, Witholding of Removal, Cancellation of Removal, Citizenship, and Legal Status through a Family Member.

Legal Orientation Program from the VERA Institute of Justice.

What to Know About Proceedings from the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Center.

Restoring the Right to Due Process: A ToolKit for Immigrant Rights Advocates from Breakthrough.

Useful Government Links:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)
U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)