CIJF provides hope in an “attorney desert”

Over 6,000 asylum seekers are detained in 9 detention centers in rural parts of Louisiana - roughly six times as many as in Colorado. 

At the same time, there are fewer than 20 asylum attorneys in Louisiana - fewer than in Denver. Asylum seekers in Louisiana are likely the most underserved in the country. 

Our friends at Home is Here NOLA in New Orleans won a $100,000 matching grant to hire an asylum attorney to provide pro bono services for detained immigrants. CIJF committed to provide $30,000 toward the matching grant. 

Earlier this year, Home is Here hired immigration attorney Janette Jurado for this role. She is doing excellent work in both providing legal counsel for detained immigrants, and calling others to join her.

Thanks to our donors, CIJF played a major role in making this happen!