This article copyright © 2020 Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly . It appeared in the newspaper's digital edition of Jan. 7, 2021, and print edition of Jan. 11, 2021. It is reproduced here with permission., * * * While the past year has likely presented challenges in the daily lives of just about everyone, immigration lawyer and Roger Williams University School of Law Distinguished Service Professor Deborah S. Gonzalez spent considerable energy in 2020 working on behalf of many whose congregate setting has prevented them from seeking safe haven: immigrant detainees at the Wyatt Detention Center in…, Lawyers Weekly, about the ongoing litigation and changes to the immigration landscape that might be forthcoming with the changing of the guard in Washington. ***, Q: How did you become involved in the suit?, A:, We actually filed two lawsuits. The first one was in March on behalf of only three plaintiffs who had reached out to the ACLU. They ended up being released by Judge [William E.] Smith. As for the class action, I consider it a “lesson learned.” The COVID situation was new to all of us, and I couldn’t figure out how to get calls from my office transferred to my cellphone. So I gave my phone number…, Q: What kinds of issues are typically discussed in the bail hearings?, A:, Judge McElroy put the burden on the government to show that the person would be a danger to the community or a flight risk. In large part, what we argue is the person’s immigration history, personal history, and connections inside of the United States, particularly in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. And we discuss any criminal violations. But we really hammer on the health risks, because the crux…, Q: What success have you seen? Are most detainees released after their hearing?, A:, If we were to do a survey of who Judge McElroy released, the majority are folks with non-violent crimes, perhaps drugs or stolen property or that sort of thing. Those accused of more serious crimes like sexual assault or domestic violence for the most part have not been released. I don’t have the exact stats, but at a minimum we have assisted 15 to get released through the hearings. Others were…, Q: What is happening now with the suit?, A:, We’re revved up and still in the thick of it. Nine detainees came in last week, five had come in the week before that, and we had additional bail hearings in the second week of December. Although the number is always changing, in mid-December there were 28 ICE detainees. That number is dramatically lower than when we became involved, in large part because ICE knows of this lawsuit and the judge’s…, Q: Will the Wyatt population be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Will that bring an end to the litigation?, A:, As we’re speaking today, vaccinations are beginning in nursing homes and state prisons, but because Wyatt is a quasi-private, quasi-government institution, I can’t imagine they’ll be first in line. I would venture to say that once everybody is vaccinated, they’ll file another motion to dismiss, and I can foresee a situation where at that point Judge McElroy might grant that. But I think one…, Q: What immigration policy changes do you expect to see under the Biden administration?, A:, I try not to have too many expectations because I’ve been let down other times . DACA is back; that’s great. And Biden says that, within his first 100 days, he’s going to submit a bill for full immigration reform. I really hope he does that, because our system is broken. There are 1.1 million immigration cases pending in the immigration courts right now. One thing I would really like to see is…
Type: Article
Whether you’ll be on campus, remote, or a mix of both, the Law Library extends a very special welcome back to everyone for Spring 2021! We hope that you’ve been able to spend some time recharging for the new semester, and we’re excited to hear what you’ve all been up to. If you are participating in the Alternative Winter Break, know that we’re available to help with your research needs! We’re…
Type: Article
It’s a civic education and student voice dream scenario:, All happening live-streamed with a panel of super important legal experts, judges, elected officials, activists and an audience of community members! Join the Rhode Island Urban Debate League as youth debate the big issue in front of guest experts and real judges!, Nellie Gorbea, - that’s right- Rhode Island’s SECRETARY OF STATE will be joining us, along with pioneering District Court, Judge Melissa DuBose, and, Dean Gregory Bowman, , the newly appointed Dean of Roger Williams University School of Law. These incredible folks will be serving as our judges for the debate! Next up are our guest experts! We’ve got youth activist, Jayson Rodriguez, from Providence Student Union, along with, Vanessa Flores-Maldonado, , Co-Executive Director of the Providence Youth Student Moment and Attorney/ RIUDL Board Member,, J. Dixon Acosta!, Make sure to register now on Eventbrite !
Type: Event
You are invited - Making History: The NAACP and the ACLU Mahogane Reed - NAACP , Mahogane Reed - NAACP, Cynthia Roseberry , Cynthia Roseberry - ACLU , Following brief histories of the ACLU & NAACP, Roseberry & Reed will discuss priorities and opportunities, and take questions/discuss issues with law students. 30 participating law schools include: Brooklyn Law, Cardozo Law, Columbia Law, Cornell Law, CUNY Law, Fordham Law, Howard Law, Hofstra Law, Louisiana State Law, New England School of Law, New York Law School, NYU Law, Northeastern…
Type: Event
Roger Williams University School of Law will announce the winners of the , “How has Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) inspired me?”, Essay/Artwork Contest, at the second annual Women in Law Leadership Lecture on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. All winning submissions will be featured on the Roger Williams University School of Law website and published in , Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly., You may find full contest details here ., Meet the 2021 Winners:, RBG Essay Contest Winners,
Type: Event
Michael A. Voccola '97, How to Become a Sought-After Deal Maker, RWU Law Open Door Speaker Series with Michael A. Voccola '97 The best transactional lawyers can, in a very short time, earn wide-spread reputations as “Deal Makers” – those lawyers who actually assemble the business deal and work with a myriad of parties to generate and execute the deal documents, including multiple contracts, licenses, permits, agreements, indemnifications, and estoppel…, Rhode Island MCLE Credit, This program has been approved for one (1) CLE hour in Rhode Island.
Type: Event
Professor Alexandra Callam has extensive experience in environmental law, having practiced in the field for thirty-five years. Professor Callam started her law career as an Assistant Regional Counsel at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region II office in New York City, where she conducted enforcement cases under the federal Clean Air Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the…
Type: Faculty & Staff Profile
Type: Photo Gallery
The law library knows that this time of year is not for monkeying around . Because of outlining, studying, and exam-taking, this time of year is particularly difficult for law students and those that love them. To help ease the tensions, the library will again be showing live streams of cute baby animals in our main computer classroom during reading days and finals. Whether you prefer snuggly…
Type: Article
Type: Faculty & Staff Profile
