New York Times (Letter to the Editor) by Annie Sovcik: “Detention Is No Holiday,” by Edwidge Danticat (Op-Ed, March 28), offers a grim insight into the realities of the United States immigration detention system. I wish her description were the exception to the rule, but it’s not.
Human Rights First’s pro bono legal representation program for detained and nondetained asylum seekers partners with pro bono lawyers in New York, New Jersey and Washington. We see the realities of our country’s broken immigration detention system every day.
Beyond the problems outlined by Ms. Danticat, immigration detainees are overwhelmingly detained in jails and jail-like facilities despite the limited “civil” authority under which they are held. Their detention is not independently reviewed or assessed, and they face tremendous challenges in acquiring legal counsel.
While this administration has taken steps to address some of these deficiencies, more must be done. Immigration and Customs Enforcement should move to more effective and much less costly detention alternatives. Ms. Danticat makes that abundantly clear.
ANNIE SOVCIK
Advocacy Counsel
Refugee Protection Program
Human Rights First
Washington, March 28, 2012
Human Rights First’s pro bono legal representation program for detained and nondetained asylum seekers partners with pro bono lawyers in New York, New Jersey and Washington. We see the realities of our country’s broken immigration detention system every day.
Beyond the problems outlined by Ms. Danticat, immigration detainees are overwhelmingly detained in jails and jail-like facilities despite the limited “civil” authority under which they are held. Their detention is not independently reviewed or assessed, and they face tremendous challenges in acquiring legal counsel.
While this administration has taken steps to address some of these deficiencies, more must be done. Immigration and Customs Enforcement should move to more effective and much less costly detention alternatives. Ms. Danticat makes that abundantly clear.
ANNIE SOVCIK
Advocacy Counsel
Refugee Protection Program
Human Rights First
Washington, March 28, 2012
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