Something Worse Than Family Separations I didn’t think I’d ever see anything as cruel as the family separations of 2018. Our collective anguish and horror over border patrol agents tearing children from their parents’ arms and vanishing them into a system without tracking who belonged to whom eventually created change. Donald Trump reversed course after the public outcry last summer, with help from a federal judge ordering him to halt the separations. In the intervening months, we’ve weathered news stories of ongoing separations, public charge rules, asylum bans, the transit ban, the attack on sanctuary cities, and the reduction of refugee allocations. I know it’s a little numbing. But I’m here to tell you that we’ve reached a new low. MPP is worse than family separations. ​The Migrant “Protection” Protocol (MPP), otherwise known as the Remain in Mexico program, is the plan under which asylum seekers who speak Spanish are turned back to Mexico during their asylum process. Since this summer, over 50,000 migrants have been returned to Mexico, where many are forced to live in a makeshift refugee camp next to the international bridge. The camp is dangerous and unsanitary. There is no humanitarian organization overseeing the camp. Any water, electricity, medical care, clothing, blankets, or other aid is provided by volunteer organizations like Team Brownsville or Angry Tias and Abuelas of the RGV. I visited the camp last weekend and was absolutely and completely overwhelmed by how awful things are at the camp. I was traveling with two other seasoned immigration attorneys and we took turns sobbing over the horror of it all as we walked through the camp. We saw tents made out of trash bags, dirty pack n’ plays for babies set up right next to the road full of exhaust fumes, sick people hoping to get medical care at the volunteer medical tent, kids bathing in the river, and so many children. I met baby M, whose mother came to the bridge in labor and was sent back to Mexico. Baby M is two months old and has only known life in a makeshift refugee camp, without even the trappings of a typical refugee camp – food, water, shelter, and medical care. The migrants live in danger. Drug cartels have seized upon the opportunity to use the migrants for economic gain. They are regularly kidnapped and held for ransom, as most have family members in the US who can scrape some money together for their release. The going rate is about $6,000 per person. Sexual assault against women and girls in the camp happens daily. It has gotten so bad that many parents have chosen to send their children across the bridge alone so that they can be processed into the country as unaccompanied minors. After we walked around the camp, we reported to a local attorney that we felt safe while we were there. Her response: “You weren’t. The cartels have lookouts on every corner, and they knew you were there.” Providing legal representation to the migrants is near impossible. They are expected to prepare their asylum applications and evidence in English while living in tents. The day of their court hearing, they line up at 4:30am outside the court and will spend all day waiting with their kids for their moment in front of the judge, who often resets their case for months in the future. Almost none will win, despite having strong claims for asylum: many have been persecuted by their own government – Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, and Central Americans. Of the 47,313 people whose cases were filed between January and September, only 2.3% have legal representation and only 11 have been granted asylum or other legal status, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, which tracks immigration court data. It is an impossible system. It’s tempting to look away from something so hopeless. But there is something we can do. I urge you to support organizations providing humanitarian and legal support. There are many, but in this article, I will highlight Team Brownsville and Angry Tias and Abuelas for humanitarian aid and VECINA.org for legal work. I serve on the board of VECINA, a mentoring organization that provides training and mentoring to pro bono attorneys who take MPP cases. If you are lawyer reading this, stay tuned for a training in January offered by the Austin Bar Association and VECINA on how to do pro bono MPP work! Thank you for your help in this important fight. And as always, your energy is never wasted supporting candidates who will reverse these awful policies. Blockwalk, canvas, phone bank, and donate to campaigns you believe in. Oh, and hug your family tight this holiday season. If you’re safe and warm, you’re pretty lucky. In solidarity, Kate ​Lincoln-Goldfinch Law - Abogados de Inmigracion 1005 E 40th St Austin, TX 78751 (855) 502-0555 https://www.LincolnGoldfinch.com

Immigrant Rights During Police Encounters What Are The Immigrant Rights During Police Encounters? Immigrant rights during police encounters can be confusing and difficult to navigate. It is important that you know your rights so that you can protect yourself and avoid any serious consequences. Here are some key things to remember when you are approached by police officers: Do not provide government officials with false information about your immigration status. This includes giving false documents or carrying false documentation. You could face severe punishment if you do so incorrectly. Do not sign anything without knowing what you are signing, as the consequences may be severe if you do so incorrectly. If you don’t understand an encounter, ask for an interpreter. Immigration officials are not obligated to provide legal counsel and just a list of lawyers’ contact information. Do not answer any questions that immigration officials ask you–you can call your consulate and lawyer if necessary–but make sure to give them all the details of your arrest if it happens. If arrested, contact your family immediately and give them all the details of your arrest. ​Lincoln-Goldfinch Law - Abogados de Inmigracion 1005 E 40th St Austin, TX 78751 (855) 502-0555 https://www.LincolnGoldfinch.com

How To Defend Your Immigrant Rights In The U.S What Should You Do If You Are An Immigrant & You Are Stopped By The Police? If you are an immigrant and you are stopped by the police, it is important to remember that you have rights. The term “reasonable suspicion” is a legal term that defines the amount of information needed to stop somebody. This means the police officer must have reason to suspect you are about to commit or committing a crime. This is especially true if they want to do a pat-down. Without this reasonable suspicion, they cannot conduct one. You should always ask the police officer for their name and badge number, and write down everything that happens during the encounter. You also have the right to remain silent. If you are not comfortable speaking with the officer, tell them that you want to speak with your attorney first. Remember, it is important not to sign anything until you have talked to a lawyer. If you feel like your rights were violated during the stop, contact an immigration lawyer immediately. ​Lincoln-Goldfinch Law - Abogados de Inmigracion 1005 E 40th St Austin, TX 78751 (855) 502-0555 https://www.LincolnGoldfinch.com

What Are Some Of The Risks Immigrants Face During Police Encounters? There are a number of risks that immigrants face when interacting with law enforcement officials, regardless of their citizenship status. For one, it is important to remember that you do not have to provide the police with any information about your immigration status or give them papers from another country. You must only discuss these matters with your lawyer. Furthermore, it is vitally important not to lie to an immigration officer as this is a serious crime. In addition, do not sign anything without knowing what you are signing–this includes documents in English that you may not be able to read. If you are stopped by a police officer, ask for an interpreter and read all papers carefully before signing anything. If you do not understand the content or cannot read the document, tell the officer that you need an interpreter. Remember that it is always important to read all immigration papers thoroughly before signing anything in jail–particularly if the consequences of a plea will affect your immigration status later on in life. It’s also worth noting that some immigrants could be consenting to waive their right to bail or having an audience with a judge. This can lead to immigrants being held in jail for longer periods of time and increase the risk of deportation proceedings. If you are under suspicion of a crime, make sure your immigrant rights are protected by hiring an immigration attorney. ​Lincoln-Goldfinch Law - Abogados de Inmigracion 1005 E 40th St Austin, TX 78751 (855) 502-0555 https://www.LincolnGoldfinch.com

What Can You Do To Protect Yourself During A Police Encounter If You Are An Immigrant? If you are an immigrant, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself during a police encounter: Remember your phone number and call someone if you have any questions. Remember what the police are asking for, whether it’s your name or documents. Don’t lie or present false documents when interacting with the police during a stop-and-frisk situation. You should prepare yourself in advance of a police or ICE encounter by learning about your rights and finding out what kind of lawyer might be best for you in case of such an event. A lawyer is someone who can help you prepare for a possible interaction with the law and protect your rights. Effects Of Not Knowing Your Immigrant Rights When Dealing With Police If you are an immigrant and are not aware of the rights you should know when dealing with the police, there are several consequences that may follow. For one, you may end up getting deported from the country. You could also lose financial assets or face family separation. In addition, you might get arrested or detained for longer than necessary. It’s important to stay calm during any kind of law enforcement encounter–especially if you’re an immigrant. That way, you can avoid making any sudden movements that might provoke them into an altercation with you. Remember: you have rights under the U.S Constitution! If the situation is concerning, find a lawyer and don’t sign or answer questions without your lawyer present. Recording details and names of officers can be useful for later use if necessary ​Lincoln-Goldfinch Law - Abogados de Inmigracion 1005 E 40th St Austin, TX 78751 (855) 502-0555 https://www.LincolnGoldfinch.com