News & Commentary
Jun 14, 2004
ACLU Defends Immigrant Imprisoned for Three Years While Awaiting Deportation
The ACLU of Rhode Island today entered an appearance in federal court on behalf of Sirak Gebremichael, an Ethiopian immigrant who has been imprisoned for three years by the federal immigration service (“BICE”) solely because he overstayed his visa. The ACLU called Gebremichael’s case the latest example of the federal government’s “low regard” for the rights of immigrants.
Aug 12, 2003
ACLU and Civil Rights Groups Release Report on Gov. Carcieri's Civil Rights Record
The ACLU of Rhode Island and over 20 civil rights and community organizations joined today in the release of a report sharply critical of Governor Donald Carcieri’s civil rights record in his first six months in office. The 16-page report, “Civil Rights and Civil Wrongs in the Governor’s Office,” focuses on five major issues the Governor has dealt with during his term. The report calls his response to them “cause for considerable alarm,” and says they demonstrate “a pattern of ignoring the people with something to say about discrimination when an issue directly affecting them” arises. The report, prepared by the ACLU and two civil rights organizations, concludes with a series of twenty recommendations for the Governor to implement to address the concerns outlined in the report.
May 23, 2003
ACLU Crticizes New Drivers' License Policy
The R.I. ACLU called “shortsighted” the state’s announcement today that it will no longer issue drivers’ licenses to individuals who present Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITIN’s) rather than Social Security Numbers.
Apr 24, 2003
ACLU Hails Court Ruling Supporting Due Process For Detained Immigrants
The R.I. ACLU today hailed a decision issued by U.S. District Court Judge William Smith, holding unconstitutional the INS’ efforts to indefinitely detain without a hearing, pending deportation proceedings, an immigrant with a criminal record. The court held that inmate Errol Hall, who is from Jamaica but has lived in this country for 30 years, had to be provided an opportunity to show whether he is a flight risk or a danger to the community that justifies his continued detention after three years. ACLU executive director Steven Brown called the ruling a “welcome reminder of the important role the judiciary must play” in protecting our freedoms.
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