Neighbors for Refugees: March Newsletter

Defending Our Refugee Neighbors

At Neighbors for Refugees, we have allocated $200,000 in legal defense grants to help refugee families we have resettled protect their rights against unwarranted arrest, detention, and possible deportation.

Since our founding, Neighbors has helped nearly 100 families—about 350 individuals—build new lives in our community. Every family we have supported arrived in the United States legally, following the rules, complying with government requirements, and with many enduring years of vetting before arrival.

Right now, we are focusing our support on 18 families we believe face the greatest risk, while anticipating that another dozen families may soon need legal assistance.

With guidance from immigration attorneys and partner organizations, we rigorously evaluate the risks faced by the individuals we assist in resettling. Key risk factors include country of origin—refugees from countries like Afghanistan and Venezuela frequently encounter heightened scrutiny—marital status, and place of employment, as some workplaces attract more enforcement attention. We also consider immigration status, recognizing that asylum applicants are particularly at risk, as well as physical appearance. Alarmingly, reports indicate that even U.S. citizens who have darker skin can be detained, highlighting the urgent need for awareness

Current immigration enforcement has created significant uncertainty and risk for many of these families. Our goals are simple: ensure that these families have access to legal protection and due process, and are not split apart

The Importance of Legal Representation

Our experience so far has highlighted several critical needs, especially the need for an immigration attorney to be present at a check-in or hearing. Legal representation can significantly improve outcomes for refugees and asylum seekers. Additionally, having:

• A habeas corpus petition prepared in advance can be lifesaving. A habeas corpus petition asks a federal court to determine whether a person’s detention is lawful. Judges have frequently ordered the release of detainees back to their families while their cases proceed, but preparing these petitions requires specialized legal expertise and can cost $5,000–$10,000. 

• A qualified interpreter is often necessary to help bridge language gaps that can lead to confusion. These costs typically exceed $1,000 per case.

• Quick access to documents. Neighbors is building an encrypted database to securely gather critical documents and information in advance of court dates, working closely with families and their attorneys.

• Emergency plans for families, including preparing powers of attorney, guardianship arrangements for minor children, emergency contacts, and instructions that allow families to function if a parent is suddenly detained, are also critical.

Understanding a Complex and Confusing System

The immigration system is difficult to navigate, even for experts. Immigration courts operate within the U.S. Department of Justice, while enforcement and immigration services—including ICE and USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)—fall under the Department of Homeland Security. Their roles often overlap, and in some cases, enforcement agencies have intervened in matters previously handled by immigration judges.

So far, three of our families have been called for ICE check-in meetings, and we expect that many more will receive similar notices.  So far, none have been detained.

These appointments are unpredictable. In general, families may wait hours for a brief meeting, with outcomes ranging from a request to return for another check-in to requests for additional documents or, in many cases, immediate arrest and detention followed by transfer to holding facilities in states such as Texas, Louisiana, or Florida, before potential deportation proceedings.

Why Our Work Matters

Every one of Neighbors’ families came to the United States legally. Many waited years in refugee processing systems overseas and passed extensive background checks before being allowed to resettle here.

They have followed the rules.They have complied with every requirement.They have committed no crimes.

Providing legal defense is not just assistance. It is a safeguard of due process and basic rights for our neighbors who are working to build safe and stable lives in our community.