MUA in the News: Michigan should join states funding legal representation for immigrants

Our own Eloise Sirleaf was in the pages of Bridge Michigan, standing in favor of funding legal aid programs for immigrants. Here's an extended excerpt:

"October 28 marked National Immigrants Day, a time to honor the values of freedom and refuge that have shaped the United States for generations. This day commemorates the 1886 unveiling of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of hope for millions of immigrants seeking safety and opportunity. Lady Liberty promised protection from persecution and a chance for a better life.

However, as we reflect on this legacy, we must also recognize the challenges that many immigrants still face. Systemic barriers, particularly for Black immigrants, continue to undermine the promise of refuge and opportunity. Racial bias and a lack of access to critical resources, like legal representation in immigration court, are ongoing issues.

My own experience as a Liberian asylum seeker mirrors the struggles of many immigrants today. Fleeing a brutal civil war that claimed the lives of my parents and siblings, I arrived in the US in 2000. While I sought refuge, my journey was filled with loss and uncertainty. Now, as an immigrant rights organizer with Michigan United Action, I work to advocate for the rights that the Statue of Liberty symbolizes — freedom, safety, and dignity. In Michigan, a significant challenge for immigrants, particularly Black immigrants, is the lack of access to legal representation in immigration proceedings. Without affordable legal counsel, many are left to navigate a complex system alone, risking family separation, deportation, and instability.

Michigan has the opportunity to change this. States like Illinois have already stepped up, providing legal counsel to immigrants facing deportation. Michigan should follow suit by investing in universal representation, ensuring that no immigrant faces immigration court without a lawyer. This is especially important for Black immigrants, who are disproportionately funneled into detention centers and face harsher penalties due to racial bias. Universal representation can act as a safeguard against these inequities.

According to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, 74% of the 250,000 people ordered deported last year lacked legal representation. For Black immigrants, this statistic reflects the systemic racism they often encounter in the immigration system. Legal representation can make the difference between safety and deportation into dangerous circumstances...".

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