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This tall fence separates the Juarez colonia of Anapra and Sunland Park, NM. Life is very different depending on which side of this fence you live on.
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Since 1987, Las Americas has provided high-quality legal representation to more than 9,000 low-income immigrants, many of whom were fleeing persecution.
Asylum is a relief given to immigrants who fear returning to their home country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of race, membership in a social group, political opinion, religion, or nationality. It can also be granted under the Convention Against Torture or from fear of persecution from a group the government cannot control.
Just since 2000, Las Americas has assisted asylum seekers from over 25 countries, including Algeria, Dominican Republic, Bosnia, El Salvador, India, Burundi, Georgia, Mexico, and Colombia.
Wars and repressive governments continue to create a flood of refugees to our shores. Las Americas continues to provide legal services for these refugees and works to prevent unjust deportations and challenge ICE policies regarding the treatment of refugees and other detained persons in the area.
The El Paso Port-of-Entry sees the second highest number of people crossing into the United States at a land border in the U.S., second only to the San Diego Port-of-Entry. El Paso is a frequent crossing point for illegal entrants, which further contributes to the refugee population in the area.
In addition, El Paso is a common point for travelers between the two coasts of the United States. Frequently, these travelers are detained at INS checkpoints located about 100 miles outside the city in every direction.
As one of only three legal services in the El Paso area representing immigrants and refugees and the only agency representing political asylum seekers we experience a heavy caseload of asylum-seekers coming through the El Paso area who are being detained by the INS while en route to other cities in the U.S.
In particularly, we see firsthand many asylum seekers who are denied travel documents to enter the U.S. and instead travel to Mexico and Central America on their way to the U.S.
Las Americas’ attornies facilitate asylum cases through all stages of the process. The work begins with intake of information of potential clients and continues through visits to the detention center to interview individuals, obtaining release of the individual through bond or parole, and preparing applications for asylum. The attorney also participate in work that challenges ICE and DHS practices and policies.
Successful defense strategies against deportation include proving United States citizenship, filing motions to suppress, and filing for asylum due to fear of physical harm or death if the individual returns to his/her home country. When necessary, the Managing Attorney also represents the client during the appeal process.
Individuals seeking to apply for political asylum learn of Las Americas through word of mouth and “Know Your Rights” presentations conducted in conjunction with other immigration organizations. Detained individuals may also learn of Las Americas through a referral list distributed by immigration officials.
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