Dear John, With the winter holidays upon us and another year coming to an end, my heart is full of gratitude for you and everyone who has supported the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) through a remarkable year. Together we have welcomed new neighbors, defended access to justice for people seeking refuge, and renewed our commitment to the ongoing fight for human rights. We all know the challenges ahead of us are daunting, but I find hope by reflecting on the resilience I see every day among the people NIJC is privileged to represent. Earlier this year, emerging artist Camilo Ramirez Tamayo gifted NIJC one of the gorgeous paintings he has created since he arrived in Chicago several years ago to seek asylum from persecution in Colombia. | |
Early in Camilo’s case, before he found legal counsel, he was wrongly denied asylum at his initial asylum interview, putting him at risk of deportation back to harm. But with representation from NIJC’s LGBT Immigrant Rights Initiative and an outstanding team of pro bono attorneys from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Camilo was able to reverse that decision and demonstrate to a judge that returning to Colombia would put his life at risk. Camilo has since collaborated with NIJC to share his story and artwork with others to help raise awareness about the importance of defending due process and access to asylum. When I see Camilo’s painting in our Chicago office, it reminds me of what NIJC’s mission is really about: everyone in our communities has a right to justice, safety, and hope for the future. Our shared home is more beautiful when everyone has an opportunity to contribute. I wish you and your loved ones light and hope this season. Thank you for all you do to help build a more just and beautiful world. Mary Meg McCarthy
Executive Director, National Immigrant Justice Center | |
