Our Process
This process is open to all pen pal and visitation volunteers who visit or correspond with detained immigrants. Here are the steps we use:
INITIAL APPLICATION: Volunteer completes an initial application for eligibility. In this step, we ask basic information about the volunteer and the detained immigrant.
INITIAL REVIEW: We will review with our partners to ensure that this person isn’t already represented.
APPLICATION FOR FUNDS: If eligible, the volunteer visitor completes the application for funds. This application collects a bit more detail about the detained immigrant, where they are in the process, and any relevant circumstances in their home country regarding their detention.
LEGAL ASSESSMENT: A CIJF-approved attorney will review the application and complete an in-person assessment.
APPLICATION REVIEW: Selection Committee reviews applications on a monthly basis based on selection criteria. Our committee consists of attorneys, visitation volunteers and immigrant friends who had previously been detained and recently released.
SELECTION MADE BY LOTTERY: All applications that meet the criteria above will be assigned a number and a drawing is done based on how many cases can be covered by current finances each month.
OBTAIN LEGAL REPRESENTATION: (utilizing pre-approved list of attorneys) and finalize terms of payment.
If you are a current volunteer who is visiting or writing to immigrants in the Aurora detention center, please fill out this form to get started on the process.