An editorial in today’s New York Times titled The Continuing Tragedy of the Separated Children notes that while the policy of separating families has halted, over 500 children are still languishing in government custody.
Month: August 2018
Immigration Justice Campaign files a complaint against the federal government for coercing asylee parents into signing away their asylum rights.
Sheridan Update
Eight of the asylum seekers detained at the federal prison in Sheridan, Oregon were released on bond this week. More detained immigrants are expected to be released on bond in the coming days. Five of the men released spoke at a press conference today, August 22 at 11 am. You can watch the video at on the Innovation Law Lab Facebook Page.
Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) is seeking volunteers for Sheridan Post-Detention Respite Network
APANO’s is committed to coordinating a robust network of respite shelter/housing and to crowdsource resources for the continued representation of all of the detained peoples at FDC Sheridan. Upon their release, our detained peoples will need medical care, housing, clothing, transportation assistance, toiletries, meals, and other resources, in order to be able to heal and gain strength for their immigration advocacy fights ahead.
Please fill out the volunteer form to assist with the respite network and an APANO South Asian Sheridan Support Committee Member or Field Organizer will be in touch with you.
559 Kids Still Not Reunited with Families
As of August 9, 2018, 559 children who were separated from their families at the border as a result of the “zero-tolerance” policy have still not been reunited with their families, Time reports. The ACLU continues to pursue litigation to ensure their reunification.
Ways to Volunteer: Catholic Charities of Oregon
We recently reached out to a number of groups to gather particularized information about their volunteer needs. We received the following update from Catholic Charities of Oregon:
While we are not serving people directly at the border, we are and have been consistently serving refugees and immigrants of all status. We would love to have our attorney colleagues at OWLS (and non-attorneys too) volunteer and contribute in the following ways. While monetary donations are always gratefully accepted, here are some other way they can help:
Immigration Legal Services:
Catholic Charities legal volunteers participate in the day-to-day operation of Immigration Legal Services under the supervision of an attorney or accredited representative. Legal volunteers assist clients with their humanitarian and family-based immigration applications and petitions at all stages of the case. Tasks include interviewing clients, translating personal declarations, drafting motions and memoranda on legal issues, and preparing evidence for submission to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to work on motions and briefs for litigation in immigration court and attend immigration court proceedings. Volunteers work closely with attorney supervisors and receive regular one on one instruction and feedback related to their assignments. Catholic Charities requires a 12 hour/week commitment during regular office hours. If this option is not a good fit, our office also manages a pro bono attorney training and referral program for active members of the Oregon State Bar. Please email Sheridan Rueter at srueter@ccoregon.org if you are interested in volunteering with us. Thank you for your interest.Refugee Resettlement:
The RR Refugee Restart Kit request is attached. We are always looking for kitchen kits, bathroom kits, new pots and pans, and new underwear in various sizes (for male, female, adult, and child). We could also use cell phones that are unlocked, in good working condition without cracks, and preferably no more than a couple years old. Opportunities to volunteer with refugees can be found on our website and our next Refugee Services Volunteer Training is on August 13, 2018.
OWLS Unite Families 