Immigrants Beware! explores the immigration consequences of criminal convictions for non-citizens. Did you know even minor offenses can lead to detention and deportation?
Until 1996, every immigrant facing detention and deportation had the basic right to be heard in court. Immigration judges could base decisions on factors like length of residence, family and community ties, and work history.
In 1996, the rules changed to limit judges’ discretion in deciding outcomes of deportation cases. Today, many immigrants face mandatory detention and deportation.
This publication breaks down the immigration system and gives non-citizens knowledge and resources to fight the deportation process. Immigrants Beware! was produced in partnership with Families for Freedom and designers Lana Cavar and Tamara Maletic. It’s being used to help families and individuals understand their way through the system.
Families for Freedom is distributing the MPP to individuals in their “know your rights” trainings, as well as churches, other immigrants’ rights advocacy groups, and community organizations throughout New York City and beyond. According to fromer Families for Freedom staff member Ravi Ragbir, “I just gave our Making Policy Public to State Senator Rivera, I told him ‘This is the quickest and easiest way for you to understand the system.’”
Get your own copy here.