Valley Neighbors

Valley Neighbors assists local immigrants comply with urgent and timely immigration court requirements.

In one example, this week, a caseworker typed, printed, interpreted a pro se court filing and reviewed (language interpretation) it with an immigrant client. Finally, copies are mailed to the required recipients at a cost of $73.43. This process took several hours and represents a common client interaction.

While direct costs such as mailings or immigration fees are often negotiated with clients to the best of their abilities, Valley Neighbors does not charge for the time caseworkers spend assisting our neighbors.

Thank you to the ACLU of Montana for collaborating on a wonderful Know Your Rights event in Kalispell April 22. Thank you to Ashley Melwani (Managing Attorney at the International Rescue Committee in Montana), and ACLU Montana lawyers Akilah Deernose (Executive Director) and Alex Rate (Deputy Director/Legal Director), and ACLU support staff for a great event helping immigrant neighbors and allies better understand our legal constitutional rights.