Opinion | Michigan should join states funding legal representation for immigrants

October 28 marked National Immigrants Day, a time to honor the values of freedom and refuge that have shaped the United States for generations. This day commemorates the 1886 unveiling of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of hope for millions of immigrants seeking safety and opportunity. Lady Liberty promised protection from persecution and a chance for a better life.

However, as we reflect on this legacy, we must also recognize the challenges that many immigrants still face. Systemic barriers, particularly for Black immigrants, continue to undermine the promise of refuge and opportunity. Racial bias and a lack of access to critical resources, like legal representation in immigration court, are ongoing issues.

My own experience as a Liberian asylum seeker mirrors the struggles of many immigrants today. Fleeing a brutal civil war that claimed the lives of my parents and siblings, I arrived in the US in 2000. While I sought refuge, my journey was filled with loss and uncertainty. Now, as an immigrant rights organizer with Michigan United, I work to advocate for the rights that the Statue of Liberty symbolizes — freedom, safety, and dignity. In Michigan, a significant challenge for immigrants, particularly Black immigrants, is the lack of access to legal representation in immigration proceedings. Without affordable legal counsel, many are left to navigate a complex system alone, risking family separation, deportation, and instability.

Michigan has the opportunity to change this. States like Illinois have already stepped up, providing legal counsel to immigrants facing deportation. Michigan should follow suit by investing in universal representation, ensuring that no immigrant faces immigration court without a lawyer. This is especially important for Black immigrants, who are disproportionately funneled into detention centers and face harsher penalties due to racial bias. Universal representation can act as a safeguard against these inequities.

According to the Executive Office for Immigration Review, 74% of the 250,000 people ordered deported last year lacked legal representation. For Black immigrants, this statistic reflects the systemic racism they often encounter in the immigration system. Legal representation can make the difference between safety and deportation into dangerous circumstances.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how the lack of legal support affects Michigan’s immigrant communities. Many African immigrants are reluctant to appear in court or apply for changes to their immigration status because they cannot afford a lawyer. Even those eligible for citizenship often refrain from applying out of fear of making mistakes without legal assistance, which could lead to deportation. One heartbreaking case involved a respected African community leader who lived in the US for 30 years but was deported simply because he couldn’t afford legal counsel.

Universal representation is not just about legal defense; it’s about fairness, equity and human dignity. It ensures that immigrants have a fair chance to navigate a complex and intimidating system. When families are separated due to deportation, the effects are devastating, impacting children, spouses, and entire communities.

Michigan has the power to act. We need to join the growing number of states funding legal representation for immigrants. In 2022, the Fairness to Freedom Act, and in 2024, the Securing Help for Immigrants through Education and Legal Development (SHIELD) Act, were introduced at the federal level to address the crisis of immigrant families facing deportation without government-provided legal counsel. These bills, if passed, would provide crucial protections nationwide, but we cannot wait for federal action alone.

Michigan must do better. By allocating state funds to support legal representation, we can make legal defense a right for everyone, not just those who can afford it. This investment could prevent the unnecessary separation of families, particularly in Black immigrant communities that have long faced systemic bias.

I urge state legislators and Governor Whitmer to champion universal representation. By doing so, Michigan can join the growing number of states recognizing the vital role legal counsel plays in keeping immigrant families together and upholding the values of justice and fairness.

Let’s celebrate immigrants’ contributions and commit to protecting their rights. Let’s push for public legal counsel funding and make Michigan a beacon of hope for all families, regardless of their immigration status.