AI Justice In the News

DHS Announcement – Good News But Far From Amnesty

News Release

Friday August 19th, 2011 | 3:00 PM EDT

The Palm Beach Post article

New immigration rules ease deportation fears for noncriminals

Friday August 19th, 2011 | 11:30 AM EDT

Is There Humanity in Immigration and in Congress?

¿Hay humanidad en Inmigración y en el Congreso?

Saturday July 30th, 2011 | 11:30 AM EDT

Articulo del Nuevo Herald

Opposition grows to detention center in Southwest Ranches.

“Detention is punitive and harmful. The last thing we need is more beds.” said Tania Galloni, an attorney with the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center in Miami

Friday July 15th, 2011 | 11:30 AM EDT

Click here to read article

Mexican Immigration Trends.

For decades people from Mexico and Central America found a way into this country, some legally but many more illegally. In recent years there’s been a dramatic shift: the numbers of legal immigrants have risen, but illegal immigration rates have dropped precipitously. Courtesy of The Diane Rehm Show.

Thursday July 7th, 2011 | 1:30 PM EDT

Segment Information Click here to listen

FIAC’s Lucha Supervising Attorney Michelle Ortiz testimony on human trafficking to the American Bar Association Commission on Hispanic Legal Rights and Responsibilities.

Friday July 1st, 2011 | 11:45 AM EDT

Click here to read Testimony.

New Destinations & Hispanics Immigrants: Promoting Inclusive Policies

Friday June 29th, 2011 | 10:00 AM EDT

Click here to read Report.

ACTION ALERT!: Haitian TPS has been broadened!

Friday June 24th, 2011 | 10:00 AM EDT

Inform yourself and others in your community:

Click for handouts with more information.

NEWS RELEASE: Haitian TPS Extended, Expanded

Tuesday May 17th, 2011 | 3:00 PM EDT

Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) applauds the renewal and re-designation of Haitian Temporary Status (TPS) by the Department of Homeland Security. The renewal will allow Haitians who already have TPS to reapply and continue to legally live and work in United States for another 18 months. Equally important, TPS re-designation expands the pool of Haitians eligible for TPS benefits by including Haitians who came to the United States within a year of the earthquake and have lived here since arriving.

Still waiting for Congress to act on immigration

Friday May 13th, 2011 | 10:00 AM EDT

President Obama’s speech on Tuesday signals yet another push for desperately needed reforms of America’s dysfunctional immigration system. Yes, the odds are long and many will pronounce this effort dead on arrival. Many folks also told us that an anti-immigrant bill was certain to pass in Florida this year, but none passed.

Haitian quake refugees worry as U.S. visas expire

Thursday May 12th, 2011 | 12:00 PM EDT

Time is running out for many Haitians who came to the USA after the 2010 earthquake and now may be sent back to a country in chaos.

Florida Struggles With Arizona’s Immigration Plan- NYTIMES.com

Wednesday May 4th, 2011 | 1:30 PM EDT

“If the Senate really wanted to enforce the rule of law, it would have sanctioned employers, and not just immigrants, many of whom have long contributed their labor and tax dollars to this state,” said Cheryl Little, the executive director of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center.

See the FIAC-ACLU news release here
See the full letter from Former City of Miami Police Chief John Timoney here

Police expert to Florida Legislature: Anti-immigrant bills ‘threaten public safety’

Friday April 29th, 2011 | 12:30 PM EDT

Wednesday’s letters: Immigrants make positive impact on Florida

Wednesday April 27th, 2011 | 9:00 PM EDT

Whether as undocumented or guest workers, Florida needs immigrants.

Florida Immigration Advocates Mount Final Fight Against Arizona-Style Bills in Their State

Tuesday April 26th, 2011 | 8:00 PM EDT

Last week, the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center along with the American Civil Liberties Union said they plan to sue the state immediately if the Florida legislature passes either of the two pending immigration bills. Immigrant advocates say components of the House bill closely resemble the very ones in Arizona’s new immigration law that a federal appeals court recently upheld were unconstitutional.

Immigration advocates: Florida bills too close to Arizona

Thursday April 21st, 2011 | 6:00 PM EDT

The Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center along with the American Civil Liberties Union plan sue the state immediately if the Legislature passes either of two pending immigration bills in the House and the Senate, the nonprofit said today.

Activists vow court fight against anti-immigrant legislation

Thursday April 21st, 2011 | 1:00 PM EDT

Immigrant rights activists plan to sue the state if the Florida Legislature passes legislation that would impose state controls on undocumented immigrants, including one that would make it a misdemeanor crime to be illegally in Florida.

Cubans facing deportation now must report to ICE in Broward.

Wednesday April 20th, 2011 | 11:00 AM EDT

Cubans are ordered deported largely for the same reasons as other foreign nationals in the United States, when they are convicted of a crime. Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) is reviewing Suarez’ case. Oscar Alvarez, a FIAC staffer, publicized the case in hopes to persuading ICE to be more lenient in reporting requirements for immigrants like Suarez who have illnesses, are disabled or have difficulty finding transportation for long trips beyond Miami-Dade.

Tallassee’s harsh immigration bills flunk common-sense test.

Tuesday April 19th, 2011 | 1:00 PM EDT

Some lawmakers in Tallahassee apparently believe that the way to appease the state’s most strident voices on immigration is to adopt an Arizona-style bill, opening the door to a divisive, unneeded and emotionally-charged debate. It’s a huge mistake and a terrible distraction for lawmakers, who should focus on finding solutions for the very real economic problems facing Florida.

Halt Haitian deportations- The Miami Herald.

Monday April 18th, 2011 | 1:00 PM EDT

The resumption of deportations to Haiti revives a senseless and inhumane policy by the Department of Homeland Security. The last time this occurred, in late January, at least one of the deportees died within days, prompting a nearly three-month hiatus in deportations that has now been lifted for no good reason.

ICE Formalizes Policy to Deport Haitians During Humanitarian Crisis

Friday April 8th, 2011 | 11:00AM EDT

Groups Denounce Policy as a Death Sentence, Cite Human Rights Violations That Will Result From Deportations.

Click here to Take Action!

ACTION NEEDED!

Floridians can’t afford an Arizona style law

Friday April 4th, 2011 | 11:00AM EDT

There’s still time for a last minute call or e-mail to Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos and members of the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee. Please tell them to oppose Senate Bill 2040, an immigration bill that would hurt all Floridians.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED:

Stop Florida Senators from Passing Anti-Immigration Bill

Friday April 1st, 2011 | 03:00PM EDT

Again, we are asking you to take a few minutes today to call or email members of the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee. The goal is to oppose an immigration bill that will hurt all Floridians.

Click here to read E-Blast |

TAKE ACTION! Tell ICE to halt all deportations to Haiti,Comment Period Extended.

Friday March 25th, 2011 | 01:00PM EDT

See what FIAC and other Organizations comment to ICE to halt ALL deportations to Haiti.

Submission to IACHR Re:Haitian Deportations | Annex A | Annex B | Annex C | Annex D

Unauthorized immigrants embedded in US social and economic fabric.

Wednesday March 23rd, 2011 | 12:00PM EDT

“Recent estimates from the Pew Hispanic Center and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicate that the number of unauthorized immigrants in the United States has remained unchanged at roughly 11 million since 2009.”

Fla. deportations misguided? Critics want focus on criminals; most deportees aren’t.

Wednesday March 22nd 2011 | 7:00PM EDT

“The Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center recently interviewed 70 detainees at an immigration detention center in Pompano Beach and found that two-thirds had no criminal conviction. Most of the others had no offense more serious than driving without a valid license, a misdemeanor. Some said they had simply been passengers in the cars that were stopped.”

Click here to read Letter | Click here to Stop Deportations to Haiti

Stop Deportations to Haiti Sign-on Letter

“We strongly urge our country to stop deportations, respect its human rights obligations, and discard this senseless removal policy.”

Tuesday March 15th, 2011 | 11:00AM EDT

Florida Premiere Screening and Panel Discussion of the Documentary: “abUSed: The Postville Raid”

WHEN: Thursday, March 10th, 2011 | 7:30PM – 9:30 PM

COST: FREE EVENT.

Monday March 08th, 2011 | 12:00PM EST

Luis Argueta, award-winning director of The Silence of Neto, brings us this poignant 90-minute documentary about the harshest raid in U.S. history.

Susana Barciela, FIAC’s Policy Director will be among the Panelists

MORE INFORMATION | MOVIE POSTER

Exclusive Access to FIAC’s Annual Award Dinner Pictures Coming Soon!

In the time being check out this video

Monday March 03rd, 2011 | 4:00PM EST

Sneak peak from FIAC’s Annual Awards Dinner Celebrating 15 years of Defending the American Dream

Click here to Watch Video

Let Inspiring Journeys Inspire You. Workplace Justice Center Newsletter.

Monday March 01st, 2011 | 12:00PM EST

FIAC’s Workplace Justice Project worked with Zo Zena, a Peruvian-born student-photographer, to create the “Inspiring Journeys” exhibit, co-sponsored with the New World School of the Arts and South Florida Interfaith Worker Justice.

WOMEN: inspiring journeys

Monday Feb 17th, 2011 | 06:00PM EST

A photo exhibition; portraits of immigrant women who have suffered, struggled, loved, and created a new path.

Immigration laws: Non-profits hold out hope for no legislation- NaplesNews.com Susana Barciela Cited.

Monday Feb 14th, 2011 | 10:00AM EST

“Immigrants were being demonized,” said Barciela. “And sure enough that’s when then Attorney General Bill McCollum jumped in with Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, and created a draft bill that had all of these objectionable provisions.”

Click here to News Release

Rights Groups Demand U.S. Comply, Calling Earthquake, Cholera and Violence a Death Sentence After Rare Inter-American Commission Action.

Monday Feb 04th, 2011 | 5:00PM EST

“Our petition warned that Haitians would be at imminent risk of death if deported to Haiti,” said Romy Lerner, FIAC Supervising Attorney. “Now our worst fears have been realized. Our government must stop all deportations to Haiti at this time.”

Updated: US Suspends Haitian Deportations After Victim’s Fiance Blames US Gov For Death.

Monday Feb 02nd, 2011 | 4:00PM EST

A few hours later the federal government announced it was suspending deportations of Haitians during February, according to Susana Barciela, a spokeswoman for the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center. The mood of the conference was a mixture of grief and outrage.

Deported Haitian Man Dies In Jail. CBS4- Susana Barciela cited.

Monday Feb 01st, 2011 | 6:00PM EST

Last December, Susana Barciela with the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center (FIAC) said the deportations could constitute cruel and unusual punishment. “If they get deported, the conditions in Haiti are such that it could amount to a death sentence,” Barciela said.

Haitian deportee dies after cholera-like symptoms. TheMiamiHerald.com- Cheryl Little cited.

Monday Feb 01st, 2011 | 6:00PM EST

A Haitian man among the first U.S. detainees deported to their Caribbean country since a January 2010 earthquake has died after suffering cholera-like symptoms in jail, fueling fears that more deportations ahead would lead to more deaths in Haiti, immigration advocates said.

Click here to read a Summary of the Petition
Click here to read Petition

EMERGENCY PETITION: to halt the deportations of hundreds of Haitian nationals by U.S. immigration authorities.

Monday Feb 02nd, 2011 | 2:00PM EST

The United States has not yet responded to the emergency petition, despite being ordered to by the IACHR. The petition was submitted by the University of Miami School of Law, Human Rights and Immigration Clinics; the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center; the Center for Constitutional Rights, Alternative Chance, and the Loyola Law Clinic and Center for Social Justice.

News Release: Death by Deportation.

Monday Feb 01st, 2011 | 9:00AM EST

A deported man has died following his detention in a Haitian jail. Wildrick Guerrier, 34, was among the 27 Haitians deported on Jan. 20 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the midst of the country’s massive cholera epidemic.

News Release: Deportations to a Death Trap.

Monday 24th, 2011 | 7:00AM EST

“Sending deportees to Haiti is an outrage. The United States has to know they’re sending Haitians to a death trap,” said Cheryl Little, Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center Executive Director.

Click here to read article/download MP3

Radio Clip from PRI’s The World from BBC. US resumes deportation of Haitians.

Monday 24th, 2011 | 7:00AM EST

About one hundred Haitians have been transported from South Florida to Louisiana. The move is considered one of the last steps before people are put on a plane back to Haiti, where they will likely be jailed.

US deports first Haitians since earthquake.

Friday 21st, 2011 | 8:00PM EST

Cheryl Little, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, a nonprofit law firm, said the Haitian deportees were being sent back to a “death trap.”

Click here to read article

Connecting Women: Commission Met On Combating Human Trafficking And Forced Labor.

January 20th, 2011 | 11:00AM EST

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) held a public meeting on Wednesday, January 9th at agency headquarters. Ana Vallejo, FIAC’s Supervising Attoryney was among the panelists.

Click here to read agenda and article

After the Earthquake – Haitian Children Seeking Safety in the United States.

January 12th, 2011 | 2:00PM EST

Countless vulnerable Haitian children are at risk in the United States in the earthquake’s aftermath. Some were evacuated after suffering life-threatening injuries in the quake. Others have lived here for years, separated from their parents. FIAC is releasing a new report today at 2:00PM EST

Click here to read Report

Local Haitian leaders uneasy as immigration officials prepare to resume deporting illegals. -NaplesNews.com cites Susana Barciela and Maureen Kelleher.

December 21th, 2010 | 11:30AM EST

“It’s unconscionable to resume deportation to Haiti at this time, when conditions are worse than they were right in the aftermath of the earthquake.”

Local Haitian leaders uneasy as immigration officials prepare to resume deporting illegals. -NaplesNews.com cites Susana Barciela and Maureen Kelleher.

December 21th, 2010 | 11:30AM EST

“It’s unconscionable to resume deportation to Haiti at this time, when conditions are worse than they were right in the aftermath of the earthquake.”

Protests Surround Planned Deportations To Haiti. -CBS News cites Cheryl Little, Executive Director and Susana Barciela, Policy Director from FIAC.

December 21th, 2010 | 11:30AM EST

“If they get deported, the conditions in Haiti are such that it could amount to a death sentence,” Barciela said.

Deportations loom as deadline for Haitians nears. -The Miami Herald cites Cheryl Little, Executive Director of FIAC.

December 20th, 2010 | 6:00PM EST

“We’ve got folks who are eligible for temporary protected status who are afraid to come forward and apply now because they think they’re going to be detained and deported.”

The Senate will have a key vote on the DREAM Act tomorrow morning. CALL NOW! Keep the DREAM Act alive.

December 17th, 2010 | 2:00PM EST

Calls to Florida Senator LeMieux are more important than ever.

Click here for contact phone numbers For more information, see FIAC’s Report:
Unleash the DREAM: End the Colossal Waste of Young Immigrant Talent

STOP Haitian Deportations. News Release: Act Now!

December 15th, 2010 | 6:00PM EST

“Removing individuals to Haiti under these circumstances is unconscionable”, said FIAC Executive Director Cheryl Little.

Click here to read News Release | Do your part!, to sign petition click below:
Stop Deportations to Haiti

Dreaming of Reform- NY Times Editorial features FIAC’s client Gaby Pacheco.

December 2nd, 2010 | 2:00PM EST

Gaby Pacheco once hugged Joe Arpaio, a sheriff in Arizona, momentarily disarming his anti-immigrant virulence.

Click here to read more | For more information, see FIAC’s Report:
Unleash the DREAM: End the Colossal Waste of Young Immigrant Talent

FIAC DREAM report cited in Human Rights Watch Letter to Senator Reid

November 30th, 2010 | 10:30AM EST

To better safeguard human rights protected under international law, governments making determinations of all those subject to deportation should take into consideration the connections that immigrants establish with their communities. .

Click here to launch video

Tell Congress: Pass the DREAM Act

November 19th, 2010 |

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has just announced that he will bring the DREAM Act up for a vote after Thanksgiving.

Click here to send e-fax

Hombre encarcelado injustamente logra residencia. FIAC’s Attorney Tal Winer featured.

November 17th, 2010 |

Treinta años después de llegar a la tierra de la libertad, Orlando Boquete logró ser residente, pero su odisea tiene partes muy amargas.

Imigrantes Pierden Esperanzas De Legalizacion. -Features FIAC Executive Director Cheryl Little

November 9th, 2010 |

Luego de los republicanos ganaran la Camara de Representates la semana pasada, jornaleros indocumentados del sur de la Florida expresaron temor y activistas de immigracion dijeron que se hara mas dificil, si no imposible, la legalizacion de millones de immigrantes ilegales.

Click here to read more and watch video

Scott’s Promises May Back Him Into A Corner. -CBS4 Features FIAC Executive Director Cheryl Little

November 4th, 2010 |

Rick Scott made lots of promises on the campaign trail this year. Now Florida’s governor-elect has a chance to follow through. Many will welcome that, many others will not.

How Immigrants Create More Jobs. *Op-ed by Tyler Cowen

October 30th, 2010 |

In the campaign season now drawing to a close, immigration and globalization have often been described as economic threats. the truth, however, is more complex.

Click here to listen now | Click here to read more

Study: No new strides in immigration detention. FIAC’s Attorney Tania Galloni featured.

October 28th, 2010 | 12:30 AM EDT

It’s been a year since the Obama administration pledged to overhaul the immigration detention system. But a new study shows no real improvement in the way undocumented immigrants are treated by the federal government. WLRN-Miami Herald reporter Marina Giovanelli takes a closer look.

Mujeres tienen miedo de denunciar a sus parejas- CorrePeru.pe features Attorney Maria Jose Fletcher.

October 5th, 2010 | 12:30 PM EDT

“Queremos compatir experiencias sobre el trabajo realizado hasta ahora en beneficio de mujeres que sufren violencia física y psicológica, y desde ahí encaminarnos a conseguir leyes que contribuyan a la protección de las mujeres.”

Click here to read more | ICE Guidance Memo

U.S. Moving to ease deportation policy. TheMiamiHerald.com- FIAC cited.

August 27th, 2010 | 01:30 PM EDT

“South Florida immigration attorneys and activists said the move is the first solid evidence of more tolerance by ICE toward some foreign nationals facing removal to their homelands.”

Ordenan suspender casos de deportación. ElNuevoHerald.com- FIAC cited.

August 26th, 2010 | 02:30 PM EDT

“El jefe de la Policía de Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE) ha ordenado anular las deportaciones contra extranjeros con solicitudes de residencia pendientes o aprobadas por parte de familiares que son ciudadanos o residentes legales.”

For undocumented students, fear of deportation still looms. TheMiamiHerald.com- FIAC and clients cited.

August 12th, 2010 | 04:30 PM EDT

“When Gaby Pacheco and three other South Florida youths walked from Miami to Washington earlier this year in an immigration protest, their message was simple: President Obama, stop deporting foreign undocumented students until Congress approves legislation making them eligible for green cards.”

News Release: NO to Arizona in Florida: Comprehensive Immigration Reform the Only Solution

August 11th, 2010 | 07:00 PM EDT

“Florida cannot afford a law that will undermine public safety and the state economy while providing no solution to our broken immigration system.”

Florida attorney general proposes immigration legislation.- FIAC cited CNN.com

August 11th, 2010 | 05:00 PM EDT

“Immigrant-rich Florida cannot afford a law that will create more confusion, legal challenges and expense for all Floridians,” Cheryl Little, Executive Director FIAC.

Secure Communities is anything but that.

August 10th, 2010 | 01:10 PM EDT

Under ICE’s Secure Communities, 79 percent of immigrants deported were non-criminals or picked up for minor offenses—not the dangerous criminals allegedly targeted.