At RAICES, we advocate for the rights of immigrants and refugees, empower individuals, families and communities, and advocate for freedom and justice. We invite you to join us as we work to respect everyone`s right to dignity, safety and security. Their support provides legal services, bail payments to release immigrants detained in detention centers, support and social services, and more for new members of our communities. We are a non-profit agency that promotes justice by providing free, low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families and refugees. With legal services, social programs, loan assistance, and an advocacy team focused on changing the discourse on immigration in this country, RAICES operates on the national front line of the fight for immigration rights. We defend the rights of immigrants and refugees, empower individuals, families and communities, and work for freedom and justice. Students help asylum seekers prepare their asylum claims. Asylum is granted to immigrants who have fled their country of origin due to persecution and/or torture on account of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group. RAICES was founded in 1987 (sometimes referred to as 1986) to help Central American refugees in the United States. [1] [10] [11] In January 2016, RAICES` executive director, Jonathan Ryan, was part of a lawsuit against the state of Texas over House Bill 11, a law that made housing undocumented immigrants a state crime. [12] The lawsuit, filed by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund on behalf of Ryan and two San Antonio landlords, alleged that the state violated due process rights and circumvented federal sovereignty over immigration policy. The law was temporarily stayed due to a Federal Court injunction, but in February 2017, a federal appeals panel ruled that the state could continue to enforce HB 11.
[13] The best place to learn more about RAICES is www.raicestexas.org. In June 2018, the Trump administration`s family separation policy led the public to create an internet campaign to raise money for RAICES. [14] [15] [16] A Facebook user in California created a fundraiser for RAICES called “Reuniting an Immigrant Parent with His Child.” We are the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates for justice for all by providing free, low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees. While our presence and legal services are based in Texas, we advocate for immigrant communities nationally and have a national voice in the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights. WE ENVISION A COMPASSIONATE SOCIETY WHERE EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO MIGRATE AND WHERE HUMAN RIGHTS ARE GUARANTEED. In June 2018, RAICES launched a “National Families Together Helpline” to help family members separated by current U.S. immigration policy find and reconnect. [21] [22] Now add your name. Afghan families deserve swift action.
Adoption of the Afghan Adaptation Act. To get justice for families separated from the U.S. government, we need supporters like you to join us on the road ahead. Can we count on you to use your voice and strength to fight for migrant families? RAICES serves as an advocate for DACA beneficiaries who need representation and protection from eviction.