HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 05/11/2021 - MUNICIPAL IMMIGRATION DEFENSE FUNDDATE:
STAFF:
May 11, 2021
JC Ward, Senior Planner
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Municipal Immigration Legal Fund.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council requested this work session item for staff to provide an overview of research and options to address the
need for immigration legal services in Fort Collins, existing municipal immigration legal fund implementation and
funding models, and alignment of potential solutions with our community-specific needs.
A municipal immigration legal fund would provide local access to immigration legal services for Fort Collins
residents seeking a legal pathway to citizenship or lawful presence. As a new ef fort, the potential program would
be considered a pilot endeavor of 12-18 months. Grant funds would be awarded to legal service providers based
on a competitive process and will be dedicated to program administration, education, and outreach; providing
defense for people at risk of deportation; children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status; and for community
members seeking pathways to citizenship and lawful presence also known as Affirmative Cases.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO B E ANSWERED
1. What feedback does Council have regarding the research and unmet needs assessment for immigration legal
services in Fort Collins?
2. What next step would Council like staff to pursue regarding an 18-month or 12-month pilot municipal
immigration legal fund program for Fort Collins residents?
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Community members and nonprofit partners recommended funding of immigration legal services as an equity -
centered program to Council in Fall 2020. Staff began working with those partners in October 2020 to gather data
on the potential impact and outcomes for Fort Collins residents. The findings were initially brought before Council
at the March 23, 2021 work session. Due to the timing of transition of Council, the complexity of the background
information, and public interest in the item, it comes before the Council for a work session on May 11, 2021.
Potential funding of pilot grant program has also been discussed in 2021 at the Human Relations Commission,
Community Impact Ad Hoc Committee, and Council Finance Committee.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As Council has acknowledged, fear and uncertainty due to immigration status and lack of due process can impact
overall community safety, equity, and livability. While immigration policy and enforcement are controlled by the
federal government, Council noted in the 2020 Legislative Policy Agenda that “issues pertaining to civil rights at
the United States’ borders and immigration law more broadly have wide impacts that can dir ectly impact the day-
to-day life of Fort Collins residents.” Council’s Resolution 2019-100 details concerns that fear resulting from
federal immigration law and enforcement policies could discourage Fort Collins residents from engaging with
safety personnel, Police Services, and other City departments to access services and resources.
Fort Collins has an immigrant community of more than 11,000 people or 6.8% of the total population.
Approximately 4,500 Fort Collins residents are currently not United States citizens. 2,200 residents are eligible
May 11, 2021 Page 2
for naturalization and the remaining 2,300 non-citizen immigrants are estimated to be undocumented and at risk
for detention and deportation. 15% of children in Fort Collins live with at least one immigrant parent and 75% of
these children are themselves US citizens.
In December 2020, there were 418 Larimer County residents with pending immigration deportation proceedings,
83 of whom lacked legal representation. Many people in deportation proceedings have valid leg al claims to
remain in the United States but cannot effectively assert those claims or gather necessary evidence without legal
representation. Any non-citizen including lawful permanent residents, refugees, and people who entered legally
on visas can be placed in deportation proceedings. Immigrants are 10.5 times more likely to be able to lawfully
remain in the U.S. when they have legal representation. 42 municipalities in the U.S. now have some form of
immigration legal assistance to assure due process and equity so that inability to afford an attorney is not a
determining factor in the ability to lawfully remain in the United States.
Fort Collins lacks available pro bono or low-cost legal advice and assistance for cases related to extension of
visas, DACA renewal, citizenship, or legal permanent resident applications. There is one immigration attorney
practicing in Fort Collins and although community partners are provide assistance for immigrants, no
organizations currently provide pro bono or low-cost immigration legal defense and advice for Fort Collins
residents. 2,963 Northern Larimer County residents are eligible for immigration relief and need low -cost or pro
bono legal services to pursue lawful paths to citizenship. Best practices from other municipal immigration legal
fund delivery models include legal services that meet the most urgent needs, reach the greatest number of
impacted community members, and build trust in the immigrant community through ongoing self -advocacy and
program support.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
• Strategic Outcomes:
o Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.4 Advance equity for all, leading with race, so that a person’s
identity or identities is not a predictor of outcomes.
o Economic Health 3.2 Understand trends in the local labor market and work with key partners to grow
diverse employment opportunities.
o Safe Communities 5.1 Improve overall community safety while continuing to increase the level of public
trust and willingness to use emergency services.
o High Performing Government 7.3 Improve effectiveness of community engagement with enhanced
inclusion of all identities, languages and needs.
• 2020 Legislative Policy Agenda: Immigration and National Border Conditions
1. Supports the humane treatment of persons who are detained by Immigration Officials and the rapid
resolution of legal proceedings to determine their status;
2. Supports a pathway to legal immigration into the United States that is sustainable in the long term.
• Council Resolution 2019-100: The Immigration Crisis at the Southern Border of the United States and its
Impact on the Fort Collins Community
• Social Sustainability Strategic Plan (2016): Equity and Inclusion Theme B1.2.b Research existing partner
and community programs to help inform refugee and immigrant populations of their legal rights and
responsibilities; seek opportunities to create programs where none currently exist.
Immigration policy, enforcement, and adjudication are under federal jurisdiction, but as noted in the 2020
Legislative Policy Agenda, “issues pertaining to civil rights at the United States’ borders and immigration law more
broadly have wide impacts that can directly impact the day -to-day life of Fort Collins residents.” Council’s
Resolution 2019-100 and Community Trust Initiative outline additional concerns that fear resulting from federal
immigration law and enforcement policies could discourage Fort Collins residents from engaging with safety
personnel, Police Services, and other City departments to access services and resources . Lack of engagement
could discourage people from obtaining emergency assistance or reporting crimes, and ultimately interfere with
obtaining an accurate count of people living in Fort Collins, putting at risk the City’s accurate representation in
Congress and in the Colorado General Assembly, as well as federal funding. These local impacts on safety,
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equity, and livability led 42 municipal government entities across the United States to create immigration legal
funds and programs.
CHALLENGES FOR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES
During the research phase of this process, staff learned that Fort Collins lacks pro bono or low -cost legal advice
and assistance for cases related to extension of visas, DACA renewal, citizenship, or legal permanent resident
applications. There is one immigration attorney practicing in Fort Collins and, although community partners
provide assistance to immigrants, no organizations currently provide pro bono or low -cost immigration legal
defense and advice for Fort Collins residents.
• Deportation is considered a civil rather than criminal penalty, therefore immigrants facing removal are not
protected by the Sixth Amendment “right to counsel” in place for criminal defendants.
• A common misperception is that deportation proceedings are only for undocumented immigrants. In fact, any
non-citizen including lawful permanent residents, refugees, and people who entered legally on visas can be
placed in deportation proceedings.8
• Increases in economic hardship, food insecurity, and housing instability are associated with deportation of a
family member. In Colorado, families lose 30% of their income when an individual is detained or deported.
Colorado immigrants in detention lose $3.9 million in earnings per year.
• There is currently one immigration attorney practicing in Fort Collins.
• Although community partners are providing a wide spectrum of assistance for immigrants, organizations and
attorneys taking on pro bono immigration cases currently provide limited pro bono or low-cost immigration
legal defense and advice for Fort Collins residents. This assistance does not meet the need for local,
immigration legal services.
• No statewide pro bono or subsidized immigration legal defense is provided in Colorado. Currently, the State
of Colorado does not provide legal services or support for immigration cases and proposed legislation to
create an immigration legal fund will still be insufficient to meet the needs of Colorado immigrants. The
Colorado Legislature is considering HB21-1194 to create a statewide immigration legal defense fund of
$100,000. However, the fund would be limited to providing legal representation for detention -deportation
cases and the funding amount is limited by Taxpayer Bill of Rights (“TABOR”) Amendment. If approved, the
anticipated state funding level is unlikely to meet 100% of the overall need for all Colorado residents.
Advocates for the Fort Collins immigrant community say the solution is not exclusively federal or state or local
but requires the additive combination of funding and policy change at all levels.
For additional information on the immigration process, associated costs, and timelines, see background
information attachments.
CURRENT CONDITIONS IN COLORADO
In 2019 the Department of Homeland Security adjudicated 8,500 immigration deportation cases in Colorado. 65%
of immigrant detainees in those cases did not have legal representation. In Colorado in 2020, 2,154 children
faced immigration court deportation proceedings and 61% of these children did not have access to legal
representation. Unfortunately, those without representation are much more likely to be detained while awaiting
their hearings and to eventually be deported. Being represented by an attorney helps immigrants return to their
families, jobs, and communities more quickly and keeps them there while their case is awaiting the deportation
hearing. Immigrants are 10.5 times more likely to be able to remain in the U.S. when they have legal
representation.9 Immigrants are 3.5 times more likely to be released on bond while awaiting trial if they have
access to legal counsel. There is an estimated 300% return on investment in universal representation in
immigration cases in Colorado.
CURRENT UNMET NEED FOR IMMIGRATION SERVICES IN FORT COLLINS
In the Fort Collins 2020 Legislative Policy Agenda, Council indicated support for the humane treatment of
immigration detainees, rapid resolution of legal proceedings to determine their status, and pathways to legal
immigration into the United States.1
May 11, 2021 Page 4
Demographics - General
In addition to the absence of critical representation for detained immigrants awaiting hearings, legal advice and
assistance are lacking in Fort Collins for cases related to extension of visas, DACA renewal, citizenship, or legal
permanent resident applications. This unmet need creates significant challenges to our unauthorized and partially
documented immigrant community members, including financial and emotional instability; lack of access to health
care, stable housing, higher education, and meaningful work; and a cycle of poverty.
• Fort Collins has an immigrant community of more than 11,000 people or 6.8% of the total population.
• Approximately 4,500 Fort Collins residents are currently not United States citizens. 2,200 residents are
eligible for naturalization and the remaining 2,300 non-citizen immigrants are estimated to be undocumented
and currently at risk for detention and deportation.
• 2,963 Northern Larimer County residents are eligible for immigration relief and need low-cost or pro bono
legal services to pursue lawful paths to citizenship and presence.
• As of December 2020, there were 418 Larimer County residents with pending immigration deportation
proceedings initiated by Department of Homeland Security, 83 of whom lacked legal representation.7 The
Larimer County case numbers and unrepresented immigrants in detention as of December 2020 are almost
double the 2019 case numbers.
• Due to the reliance on reporting agency data collection, ownership, and publication generally aggreg ated at
the county, regional, or metropolitan statistical area levels, information may not be available at the city level or
in real time. While we do not have access to Fort Collins -specific information, data from regional partners
working with immigrant communities confirms that 2,963 Northern Larimer County residents are eligible for
immigration relief and need low-cost or pro bono legal services to pursue lawful paths to citizenship and
presence. Many households need these services for multiple family members. Out of pocket expenses for
deportation defense range from $6,000 to $20,000 in filing fees and $10,000 to $50,000 for attorney costs
depending on the complexity of the case. DACA, Visa, or LPR applications and renewals have varying filing
fees and though the total varies, average approximately $4,000 in attorney costs.
• An August 2020 poll of immigrant residents in Fort Collins had 162 respondents of which 70% reported their
unmet need for immigration attorney services. 49% of respondents cited t he high cost of immigration legal
services as the primary barrier to access, 36% could not find information on local legal services, and 39% did
not think their current status had a pathway to citizenship.
Demographics - Children
Because of valid concerns about disclosure of immigration status to federal government agencies, state and local
relief or assistance programs are increasingly filling the gap in those services to assure that all children and
families can meet basic needs.
• 15% of children in Fort Collins live with at least one immigrant parent and 75% of these children are
themselves US citizens.6
• “Mixed status” families, where one or more family member is undocumented, can face uncertainty due to
inconsistent federal policy. Children who are U.S. citizens did not receive the first round of COVID -19
economic stimulus benefits if even one parent was undocumented. The second round of those benefits could
be accessed by the children if one parent is lawfully present, but not if both parents are u ndocumented.
• Locally, undocumented parents (even those with citizen children) indicate a reluctance to allow their citizen
children to enroll in or access programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) Program, Medicaid, or
Section 8 housing vouchers out of fear that the parent’s future application for citizenship would be negatively
impacted.
• In the Poudre School District, there are 54 students who arrived in the U.S. as unaccompanied minors
seeking asylum because they are unable to return to their countries of origin due to threat of death or
imminent harm. These students could remain in the United States through Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
(“SIJS”) and later adjust their status to lawful permanent resident as long as they apply before the child’s 21st
birthday. Processes for both SIJS and Adjustment of Status are complex, require payment of multiple fees or
applications for fee waivers at varying points in the process, and have strict deadlines.
May 11, 2021 Page 5
• Abused, neglected, and abandoned children in any other court system in the United States are entitled to
legal representation as well as a Guardian ad Litem to assess the best interests of the child. Children in
immigration proceedings have no right to legal counsel, Guardian ad Litem evaluati on, or adult supervision
during detention or hearings.
Local Economic Impact
• In Colorado, the estimated cost to an employer to replace an employee is 16% of that employee’s wages. The
current median annual income for U.S. immigrants is approximately $30,000. This equates to a $4,800 cost to
an employer to replace a detained or deported employee. With 418 Larimer County residents currently in
detention and facing deportation, there is a $1.9 million possible loss in 2021 for Larimer County employers to
maintain their workforce levels.
• Individuals with an income in the $30,000 annual income range tend to spend most of their income on the
purchase of basic needs in their community and pay 9% of their income to state and local taxes. For each
detained and/or deported resident, there is an annual loss of $2,700 in local and state taxes. With 418
Larimer County residents in deportation proceedings that equates to an annual $1.1 million potential loss in
local and state taxes from Larimer County alone.
• Because undocumented immigrants do not qualify for some benefits including unemployment insurance or
SNAP benefits, wages must take the place of those other payments or income that support basic needs.
Every $1.00 spent by undocumented immigrant families in a community generates $1.60 in local economic
activity. This means the lost local economic activity from one detained and/or deported resident is $4,320 per
year.
FORT COLLINS PILOT PROGRAM DELIVERY MODEL
Estimates for funding levels to provide effective pro bono or low-cost immigration legal services to residents of
Fort Collins were determined by demographic analysis and current unmet need; data, regional service costs, and
subject matter expertise from local and regional community partners on inputs nec essary to build and support
local capacity for these services; and comparative service levels, outcomes, and costs from cities with existing
municipal immigration legal funds.
Best practices demonstrated by effective municipal immigration legal funds and m odeled by the Vera Institute of
Justice’s ‘Safety & Fairness for Everyone’ Initiative offer wrap -around, holistic services to meet the most urgent
needs, reach the greatest number of impacted community members, and build trust in the immigrant community
through ongoing self-advocacy and program support. A Fort Collins pilot municipal immigration legal fund grant
program would provide the following elements:
• Direct legal representation for the lifecycle of immigration cases
• An emphasis on legal services for deportation and detention cases
• Support for legal pathways to citizenship
• Scholarships or subsidized application and renewal fees for affirmative cases like DACA, SIJS, Visa
Renewals, Adjustment of Status for LPR, U Visas, and Family Reunification
• Legal Advice and Consultations through legal clinics
• Know Your Rights Trainings in detention centers and embedded in local immigrant communities
• Education and outreach that includes leadership and empowerment training to improve self -advocacy
• Focus on outcomes-based program metrics (program accomplishments like improvements in community
safety) rather than output-based metrics (participant numbers or number of cases resolved)
• Program coordinator housed in a local nongovernmental organization
Potential future success of these elements in our community is further indicated by the outcomes of the
successful City of Fort Collins Eviction Legal Fund 2020 pilot, which used a similar model and employed direct
legal representation, education and outreach, self-advocacy empowerment, and community partner leadership to
reach residents and landlords in need of assistance with eviction prevention as a response to unmet community
need due to COVID-19.
May 11, 2021 Page 6
FORT COLLINS MARKET RATES
To inform Council’s consideration of the funding amount, staff obtained attorney costs by case type in the Fort
Collins market from nonprofit immigration service providers, Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network
(“RMIAN”) and Interfaith Solidarity and Accompaniment Coalition (“ISAAC”) and are based on actual attorney and
legal staff costs. The amounts listed cover limited filing fees associated with the pro bono representation.
Case Type Pro Bono Legal
Costs/Case in Fort
Collins market
Unmet Need in Fort
Collins*
Detention/Deportation $6,000/case 75-100 cases/year
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) $4,000/case 100 cases/year
“Affirmative Cases”- Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA), Lawful Permanent Resident
(LPR), or Naturalization
$1,000/case 400 cases/year
*Unmet need in Fort Collins is estimated for 2021 and may be higher due to reluctance of immigrant
community members to identify themselves and their need for services for use by a governmental entity
in this analysis.
FORT COLLINS PILOT PROGRAM BUDGET
In addition to consideration of market rates and unmet local need for immigration legal services in determining an
effective pilot program budget, there are also baseline start -up costs due to the current lack of local access,
program administration needs, and minimum caseload needed for recruitment of qualified attorneys to participate.
Examples for the types and number of cases that could have legal representation within various funding ranges
under a municipal immigration legal fund in Fort Collins are given for both an 18-month pilot program and a 12-
month pilot program for Council consideration. The 18 -month option is recommended by staff due to the length of
time for immigration cases to reach resolution (one to two years for detention/deportation cases and se ven to
thirteen months for naturalization processes). This timing also allows for an informed discussion of pilot outcomes
as part of the 2023/2024 Strategic Plan and Budgeting for Outcomes process. If a 12-month pilot is funded in
June 2021, staff will submit a 2022 Budgeting for Outcomes Offer for gap funding of the six -month unfunded
remainder of 2022.
Program Administration costs fund a full-time program coordinator position employed by a partner organization
rather than the City to increase community trust and avoid putting the City in the position of providing direct legal
services. The program coordinator would provide or assist with coordination of outreach to target populations,
educational materials, translation and interpretation services, legal advice clinics and training session logistics,
capacity-building activities for local and regional service providers, administrative duties related to legal
representation and grant reporting. Optimally, the coordinator role would be staffed by someone wit h paralegal
experience.
Start-up costs for the program also include pro bono attorney’s costs to represent a minimum of 15 deportation
cases as the minimum caseload for an 18-month pilot and 10 deportation cases for a 12-month pilot. Because
Fort Collins does not have an existing pool of immigration attorneys, the municipal immigration legal fund service
providers would need to recruit and retain a qualified attorney (or group of attorneys contracted to provide local
access to legal services) and support staff. The minimum caseload of deportation cases, which have been
identified as the most urgent need and cause the most disruption to families and the local community compared to
other case types, is included in each funding example below.
18-month Pilot Grant Program Funding Examples
Example Program
Administration
Detention -
Deportation
Cases
*minimum 15
$6,000/case
Special
Immigrant
Juvenile Status
Cases (SIJS)
$4,000/case
Affirmative
Cases (DACA,
LPR, or
Naturalization)
$1,000/case
Funding Range
A-18 $90,000 25-30 20-40 100-150 $400,000-550,000
B-18 $90,000 20-25 5-20 20-100 $250,000-400,000
May 11, 2021 Page 7
C-18 $90,000 15-20 0-5 0-20 $180,000-250,000
12-month Pilot Grant Program Funding Examples
Example Program
Administration
Detention -
Deportation
Cases
*minimum 10
$6,000/case
Special
Immigrant
Juvenile
Status Cases
(SIJS)
$4,000/case
Affirmative
Cases (DACA,
LPR, or
Naturalization)
$1,000/case
Funding Range
A-12 $60,000 15-20 15-25 40-100 $250,000-380,000
B-12 $60,000 12-15 5-15 25-40 $150,000-250,000
C-12 $60,000 10-12 0-5 0-25 $120,000-150,000
PROGRAM METRICS
Establishing program metrics that measure outputs, outcomes, and effectiveness are an important part of
concurrent evaluation and iterative improvement. The program will also offer a n opportunity to have a deeper
understanding of the greatest challenges and unmet needs for Fort Collins residents (given limited available
datapoints). Staff recommends considering the following potential program metrics to assess program
accomplishments and output-based metrics such as participant numbers or number of cases resolved:
• # of people receiving free legal advice or training
• # of people receiving direct representation (adults/children and case type)
• # of people able to lawfully remain in the U.S. due to representation
• # of people released on bond during the program compared past years
• # of referrals to the program by other participants
• % of participants who feel they are safer due to the program
• % of participants who are more knowledgeable about their pathways to citizenship or lawful presence after
the program
• % of participants reporting greater likelihood of accessing City or community resources due to the program
It is important to note that some metrics may be difficult or impossible to ascertain during a 12-month pilot
program because of the length of time immigration cases take to navigate the system with average resolution
times for detention/deportation cases of one to two years and naturalization processes of seven to thir teen
months.
Potential Partners
Through extensive collaboration with stakeholders, staff has identified several potential community partners and
grantor organizations that might be in positions to assist with providing services or expanding a City -sponsored
immigration legal fund.
Organization Potential Role Opportunities
Vera Institute of Justice Grantor Up to $100,000 matching grant funds for
municipal immigration legal funds for
detention/deportation cases
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration
Services “Citizenship &
Assimilation Grants”
Grantor Average award of $250,000 to nonprofit
organizations for LPR citizenship preparation
services including education
Rocky Mountain Immigrant
Advocacy Network (RMIAN)
Grant Recipient Currently providing immigration legal services
to other Colorado communities with existing
relationships with attorneys
Catholic Charities Grant Recipient Currently providing immigration legal services
to other Colorado communities with existing
relationships with attorneys
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Alianza NORCO Grant Recipient Currently providing education, outreach, and
support services to immigrants in Fort Collins
Interfaith Solidarity and
Accompaniment Coalition
(ISAAC)
Grant Recipient Currently providing support for SIJS cases
with existing relationships with attorneys
Fuerza Latina Grant Recipient Currently providing education, outreach, and
support services to immigrants in Fort Collins
Colorado State University Grant Recipient Currently providing immigration legal services
to all full-time students. Additional funding
might allow expansion to services for
undocumented staff and part-time students.
University of Colorado Law
School
Grant Recipient Currently providing student law office clinic
representation for some immigration cases
University of Denver - Sturm
College of Law
Grant Recipient Currently providing student law office clinic
representation for some immigration cases
Colorado Access to Justice
Commission
Technical
Assistance
Assistance connecting volunteer attorneys
with clients
City Manager, Darin Atteberry, contacted Larimer County Manager, Linda Hoffmann, in April 2021 regarding the
potential for collaboration and partnership to provide immigration legal services to both City and County residents.
Partnerships with Larimer County will need to be aligned with policies regarding the use of City funds to benefit
the residents of Fort Collins.
Pilot Start Up Timeline
• Application, Review, & Selection of Grant Recipients - Coordinated by City Staff- One Month to complete
• Contraction - Completed by City Staff and Grant Recipients - Two Weeks to complete
• Begin Administrative Services - Grant Recipients - Two Weeks post-contracting to beginning
administrative services
• Begin Legal Services - Grant Recipients with Existing Legal Providers- Two Months post-contracting to
beginning legal services
• Begin All Legal Services - All Grant Recipients - Four Months post-contracting to beginning all legal
services
The pilot program funding options were requested by Councilmembers for discussion as an off-cycle budget
appropriation rather than waiting to submit a budget offer through the BFO process to have continuity in the work
under Council priorities for equity through the Home 2 Health program and outreach, Community Trust Initiative
relationship-building strategies, and increased public feedback on racial justice. The urgency reflects the
importance of keeping promises the City organization makes to historically marginalized communities and
collaborating to incorporate community input into municipal action. COVID-19 has also had a disparate impact on
undocumented immigrants and families with “mixed status” in our community. Although our undocumented
community members are experiencing the same health and financial concerns, they cannot access t he same
medical treatment, pandemic relief or economic stimulus payments, or eviction prevention programs from the City
or other community partners because of federal restrictions on access by undocumented immigrants.
Public Engagement
“Reimagine Public Engagement'' was established as a Council priority in 2019 to increase the level of
engagement among historically marginalized communities in the decision -making process, recognizing that input
from the broad community is important and seeking to incorporate voices from diverse backgrounds. As part of
these efforts, staff has worked closely with community partners and community members to understand the
barriers to participation this vulnerable segment of the population faces. To address these barriers, pub lic
engagement plans have placed an emphasis on providing additional avenues for participation to community
members directly impacted and those who face the greatest number of inequities that lower their ability to
participate. The recent City -sponsored Equity Indicators report demonstrates that in Fort Collins, Communities of
Color face the greatest number of inequities, with Hispanics/LatinX residents facing the most. In addition,
May 11, 2021 Page 9
feedback received for other City-led public engagement projects such as Strategic Plan 2020, Climate Action Plan
2021, and Housing Strategic Plan 2021, show low levels of trust among the Hispanic/LatinX communities towards
government entities, further inhibiting their ability to participate. As such, public engagement efforts for equity-
based programs, such as the proposed Municipal Immigration Legal Fund, have prioritized participation and
involvement from the Hispanic/LatinX communities whose exclusion from engagement in organizational
processes in the past led to inequities and disparate impact.
Public Comment Summary and Themes
Information on municipal immigration legal funds and Council’s discussion surrounding this item was featured in:
• Local print (Coloradoan, 3/4/21 and 4/14/21)
• News radio (600 KCOL)
• Social media from City and community partners
• Community partner outreach with impacted community members through public events, educational
materials, and hotline information
• Two immigration-focused documentary premiere discussions for both “2020 Hispanic Community Voices: The
Impact of COVID-19” on 1/31/21 and “Fort Collins LDF Documentary” on 3/7/21
Council received public comments related to establishment of a municipal immigration legal fund in Fort Collins at
virtual Council meetings beginning in September 2020. Comments to City Leaders from the general public were
also submitted via email and voicemail in advance of the March 23, 2021 work session and as follow up to that
discussion. The email comments are compiled by date received in Attachment B. The majority of comments from
all formats supported Council funding immigration legal services at this time.
The predominant themes that emerged from public comments in support of a municipal immigration legal fund
were desire for the City to demonstrate commitment to social justice and equity, and concerns about the lack of
due process afforded to immigrants facing deportation proceedings. Commenters cited the high cost of legal
services as barriers to pursuing lawful pathways to citizenship and many noted the effecti veness of both other
municipal immigration legal funds operating in Denver or other parts of the U.S. and having legal representation in
immigration court.
Comments in opposition to municipal funding of immigration legal services largely reflected an unde rlying desire
to limit immigration into the community. Shared concerns of commenters included: competition for jobs, belief that
beneficiaries of these legal services have no lawful right to remain in the U.S. or have broken the law, and
uncertainty about the role of the City in providing these funds with a preference for federal or nonprofit leadership
in this space instead.
May 11, 2021 Page 10
Gold lines are Themes that Appeared in Comments Supporting Municipal Immigration Legal Fund .
Grey lines are Themes that Appeared in Comments Opposing Municipal Immigration Legal Fund.
The staff team for this research project would like to sincerely thank the community partners for their
contributions, patience, and openness in supplying valuable data, connections, and anecdotal info rmation on the
unmet needs of the Fort Collins immigrant community. Because of the understandable reluctance of
undocumented immigrants to self-identify and open themselves and their families to risk of deportation, the staff
worked with local and statewide advocacy groups with existing relationships with Fort Collins immigrants to
conduct a local needs assessment, research existing and projected conditions in Larimer County for the
immigrant community, analyze other municipal immigration fund program and budget models, and conduct public
engagement.
We appreciate the community partners who worked directly and indirectly with the staff Team: Alianza NORCO,
Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC), Interfaith Solidarity And Accompaniment Coalition (ISAAC), Rocky
Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN), Fuerza Latina, Catholic Charities, BIPOC Alliance, Foothills
Unitarian Church Community Dreamer Fund, Mujeres de Colores, CSU Dreamers United, La Cocina, Vera
Institute of Justice, University of Colorado Law School and Dr. Violeta Chapin, The Denver Foundation, Denver
Councilmember Jamie Torres, and BakerRipley (Immigration Fund Manager in Harris County, Texas).
ATTACHMENTS
1. Immigration Process and Background (PDF)
2. Peer City Immigration Legal Funds (PDF)
3. Public Comment Emails (PDF)
4. Human Relations Commission Memo (PDF)
5. Work Session Summary, March 23, 2021 (PDF)
6. Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)
Attachment A – Immigration Process and Background
Immigration Process and Background
Immigration & Federal Process
Immigration has long been a source of demographic revitalization, cultural enrichment, and innovation
for our country.0F
1 Immigration boosts economic growth and raises the general productivity of the
American workforce by providing much-needed skill and intellectual capital. Immigrant workers
allow crucial sectors of the economy to expand, which attracts investment and creates additional
employment opportunities for all Americans. The world becomes more interconnected through cultural
exchange and shared experiences, fostering global progress on human rights causes.
Lawful Entry into the US
Legal entry into the U.S. for foreign-born non-citizens requires a valid visa issued to the immigrant or
visitor by the federal government prior to stepping onto U.S. soil.1F
2 Visa categories include temporary
tourist, education, work, and immigration.2F
3 Immigration visas are issued to potential permanent
immigrants who are either: related to American citizens, qualified priority professionals with special
skills, asylum seekers, or winners of the “diversity” lottery. Each of these immigration visa categories has
annual limits on the number issued, although the caps can change based on the federal administration.3F
4
The United States currently allows up to 675,000 permanent immigrant Visas each year across various
categories.4F
5 Additional permanent immigrants are granted lawful entry through the Refugee
Resettlement Process, which also has annual caps.34 Visa applications and renewals have varying filing
fees and though the price varies widely, average approximately $4,000 in attorney costs.
Citizenship through Naturalization
It is impossible to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process without first becoming a
Lawful Permanent Resident (“LPR”), usually requiring lawful initial entry into the country.5F
6 Once a
person obtains a permanent immigrant visa and comes to the United States, they obtain Lawful
Permanent Residency, or become a LPR-holder. In some very limited circumstances, non-citizens already
inside the United States can obtain LPR status through a process known as Adjustment of Status.
People with Lawful Permanent Residency are permitted to work and live permanently in the United
States.6F
7 After residing in the U.S. for five years, people with Lawful Permanent Residency are then
eligible to apply for citizenship. The naturalization process takes approximately two years (after
eligibility is attained). The cost is $725 in filing fees, which are nonrefundable regardless of the outcome,
and attorney’s fees of $500-1,200 per person per application.
1 https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/immigrants-have-enriched-american-culture-enhanced-our-
influence-
world#:~:text=Successive%20waves%20of%20immigrants%20have,edge%20in%20the%20world%20economy
2 https://www.usatoday.com/pages/interactives/graphics/deportation-explainer/
3 https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/all-visa-categories.html
4 https://www.uscis.gov/
5 https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/how-united-states-immigration-system-
works#:~:text=The%20overall%20numerical%20limit%20for,less%20than%20140%2C000%20each%20year.
6 https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/eoir_an_agency_guide/download
7 https://www.dhs.gov/immigration-statistics/lawful-permanent-
residents#:~:text=Lawful%20Permanent%20Residents%20(LPR),-
Lawful%20permanent%20residents&text=LPRs%20may%20accept%20an%20offer,they%20meet%20certain%20eli
gibility%20requirements.
ATTACHMENT 1
Attachment A – Immigration Process and Background
Lawful Presence through Special Circumstances
Victims of trafficking and violence may remain in the U.S. under a temporary non-immigrant visa, the U
Visa.7F
8 U Visas protect non-citizens who have been the victims of certain crimes and who have aided law
enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of those crimes. It was created to encourage victims
to cooperate with police and prosecutors without fear of deportation. A U Visa provides legal status and
employment authorization but expires after four years unless a renewal is sponsored and supported by
law enforcement. Cooperating with law enforcement may open victims or their families to further
violence or retaliation, which deters some eligible victims from applying for U Visas that provide only
temporary protection. After five years of lawful presence under a U Visa, an immigrant can apply for LPR
status if they have remained cooperative with law enforcement agencies. There is no application or
renewal fee for the U Visa, but LPR application fees are $1,225 and U Visa LPR applications must be
sponsored by the law enforcement agency the victim cooperated with while in the U.S. Legal assistance
to process a U Visa application is approximately $5,000 per case.
Some immigrants who entered the U.S. without authorization have current lawful presence through the
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (“DACA”). Children brought to the country before their
16th birthday and prior to June 2007 who are currently in school, a high school graduate, or honorably
discharged from the military, and were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, qualify to apply for
DACA.8F
9 DACA status allows recipients to receive a renewable two-year deferral of deportation and a
work permit. In September 2017, the federal administration announced a plan to phase out DACA,
triggering multiple lawsuits challenging this action.9F
10 In 2020, the Supreme Court blocked this phaseout
of the program on the grounds that the rationale stated by the Executive Branch was arbitrary and
capricious.10F
11 The Court did not rule on the merits of the DACA program itself, opening it to future
elimination with underlying lawful rationale. On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued an executive
order fully reinstating DACA.11F
12 The DACA program has increased the wages and employment status of
recipients, improved the mental health outcomes for DACA participants and their children, and reduced
the number of undocumented immigrant households living in poverty.12F
13 13F
14 14F
15 DACA does not provide
LPR status or a path to citizenship for recipients and must be renewed every two years.40 DACA
applications and renewals require $495 in fees. Colorado is home to 18,555 DACA recipients whose
renewal fees generate approximately $460,000 per year for the federal government. 15F
16 Legal
representation for DACA applications costs approximately $2,000 per case.
8 https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-of-human-trafficking-and-other-crimes/victims-of-criminal-activity-
u-nonimmigrant-status
9 https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration-of-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-daca
10 https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/09/05/memorandum-rescission-daca
11 https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/18-587_5ifl.pdf
12 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/01/20/preserving-and-fortifying-
deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals-daca/
13 Pope, Nolan G. (2016). "The effects of DACAmentation: The impact of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
on Unauthorized Immigrants". Journal of Public Economics. 143: 98–114. doi:10.1016/j.jpubeco.2016.08.014.
14 Patler, Caitlin; Laster Pirtle, Whitney (February 1, 2018). "From undocumented to lawfully present: Do
changes to legal status impact psychological wellbeing among latino immigrant young adults?". Social Science
& Medicine. 199: 39–48. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.03.009.
15 Antman, Francisca (2016). "Can authorization reduce poverty among undocumented immigrants? Evidence
from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program". Economics Letters. 147
16https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/Reports%20and%20Studies/Immigration%20Forms%
20Data/All%20Form%20Types/D
Attachment A – Immigration Process and Background
Undocumented Immigrants
Immigrants who enter or remain in the U.S. without authorization are known as “undocumented
immigrants.” Most undocumented immigrants in the United States entered lawfully but overstayed
temporary visas and often have insufficient economic resources to pursue legal extensions or
citizenship.16F
17 Lawful paths to citizenship, LPR status, refugee status, and asylum dramatically decreased
during the Trump administration.17F
18 The current federal administration has committed to immigration
policy reform but needs bipartisan support in Congress to expand or create pathways to citizenship for
all categories of immigrants. The proposed comprehensive immigration bill from President Biden
contains an eight-year waiting period of unlawful presence before undocumented residents could apply
for citizenship or LPR status and a plan for citizenship for DACA recipients.18F
19 Currently, there is
inadequate support in Congress for passage of this bill and several stand-alone immigration bills are
anticipated to be considered in 2021 instead of the comprehensive immigration bill.19F
20
Detention and Deportation
A common misperception is that deportation proceedings are only for undocumented immigrants. In
fact, any non-citizen including lawful permanent residents, refugees, and people who entered legally on
visas can be placed in deportation proceedings.20F
21 Another common misconception is that deportation
proceedings are reserved for those with a criminal conviction Many immigration arrests do not begin
with arrest by local law enforcement. More than 1 in 4 immigrants arrested Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) have no criminal conviction and for those that do, the majority have been convicted
of victimless crimes such as immigration or traffic offenses.21F
22
Deportation proceedings begin with an arrest.22F
23 If a crime is committed, local police may notify U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) that they suspect an immigrant is unlawfully present or
that the crime alleged to have been committed would qualify the immigrant for deportation. If an
immigrant is suspected of entering or remaining in the country without authorization, ICE or U.S. Border
Patrol may arrest the individual and put them into detention, or custody of the federal government.
Usually, a case is then filed for a hearing in Immigration Court against the immigrant by the Department
of Homeland Security attorneys.
The immigrant can be detained upon arrest while awaiting their first court appearance or may be
released on immigration bond or on their own recognizance in limited cases known as “catch and
release”. Immigration bonds are set at a minimum of $1,500 but average $10,000 in Colorado. Denial of
an immigration bond or objection to the bond amount may be filed by the detainee, who must also
gather all supporting documentation and sponsor letter, then have all documents translated into English
to file with the court. There is no right to an attorney, translator, or communication with family or
17 https://cmsny.org/publications/essay-2017-undocumented-and-overstays/;
https://www.npr.org/2019/01/16/686056668/for-seventh-consecutive-year-visa-overstays-exceeded-illegal-
border-crossings
18 https://www.vox.com/2020/9/3/21408528/trump-naturalization-backlog-citizenship-voting
19 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/01/20/fact-sheet-president-biden-
sends-immigration-bill-to-congress-as-part-of-his-commitment-to-modernize-our-immigration-system/
20 https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/democrats-introduce-bidens-immigration-reform-bill/story?id=75960479
21 https://www.usa.gov/deportation
22 https://www.cato.org/blog/criminal-aliens-commit-mostly-victimless-crimes-few-violent-crimes
23 https://www.usatoday.com/pages/interactives/graphics/deportation-explainer/
Attachment A – Immigration Process and Background
friends during this process, but detainees have the right to one free local phone call. The average time
between being taken into detention and the immigration hearing is 500 days.
There is no requirement that a detainee remain in the state they were arrested in, so transfers to out of
state detention centers may be made at any time in the process without notice to the individual or their
families and the case transferred to a different immigration court.
At the merits hearing, the judge determines whether to deport the immigrant. That decision can be
appealed within 30 days by either party and deportation typically is ordered within two months of the
order. ICE air operations fly people who are deported back to what has been adjudicated as their home
country. Some people being deported report paying for their own deportation flights. Deported
individuals from Mexico are flown to U.S. border cities and bused or walked across the border into
Mexico. If an individual returns to the U.S. and enters illegally after being deported, they are
permanently banned from lawful entry under any visa type. After deportation, an immigrant may apply
for lawful reentry after a waiting period of 5-20 years, depending on the underlying cause for the initial
deportation. Out of pocket expenses for deportation defense range from $6,000 to $20,000 in filing fees
and $10,000 to $50,000 for attorney costs depending on the specifics and complexity of the case.
Expedited Removal Order
Initially, expedited removals of immigrants could only take place if an individual were to be arrested
within 100 miles of a U.S. border and had not been in the U.S. for more than two weeks. The time limit
for unlawful presence was expanded to up to two years under the Trump administration and arrests can
now happen anywhere in the U.S., not just within 100 miles of the border. President Biden ordered a
review of this change in February 2021, but as of today it is still the prevailing policy.
Under expedited removal processes, non-citizens are deported in a single day without an immigration
court hearing or other appearance before a judge. U.S. Border Patrol officers exclusively conduct the
process, which is usually completed within a couple of hours, affording little to no opportunity for the
non-citizen to collect evidence or consult with an attorney. In most circumstances, the non-citizen does
not have a right to appeal. Those who have been subjected to expedited removal are detained until they
are formally removed. This provides the immigration officer with broad authority in the removal of a
non-citizen, allowing the officer to operate as both prosecutor and judge.
Impact of the Ambiguous Status or Threat of Deportation
Livability, public participation, and access to community services are also affected by uncertainty related
to immigration status. Family members forced to take on additional paid employment or caregiving
responsibilities following detention or deportation weaken family stability. Older children assuming
additional caregiving responsibilities for younger family members see their own school performance and
retention decline.23F
24 24F
25 Community members who are fearful and mistrustful of public institutions based
on immigration policy or enforcement are less likely to participate in churches, schools, health clinics,
cultural activities, and social services.25F
26 Changes in immigration policy at the federal level are shown to
reduce participation by immigrants in local communities through reductions in visits to parks, libraries,
24 Chaudhary, A., Capps, R., Pedrosa, J.M., Castañeda, R.M., Santos, R, & Scott, M. M. (2010). Facing
our future: Children in the aftermath of immigration enforcement. The Urban Institute. Retrieved
from https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/28331/412020-Facing-Our-Future.PDF
25 Dreby, J. (2012). The burden of deportation on children in Mexican immigrant families. Journal of
Marriage and Family, 74, 829-845.
26 https://www.communitypsychology.com/effects-of-deportation-on-families-communities/
Attachment A – Immigration Process and Background
restaurants, and community events.26F
27 Following a visible immigration raid or arrest, school attendance
drops, businesses see fewer customers, and fewer immigrants seek medical services or pick up
prescriptions. This disconnect from public life and community services can remove social safety nets for
families and children. Many immigrant parents do not enroll their children in school lunch or health care
programs the children are legally eligible to participate in because of fear that participation will
disqualify the parents or children from future immigration applications under the Public Charge policy,
which leads to elevated food insecurity and poor health outcomes. Prioritizing safety and inclusion for
all families, regardless of immigration status, through programs to foster support networks, sense of
belonging, mental health, and community building are recommended by psychologists and social
scientists as solutions to foster wellness for children and families.27F
28
Fearfulness and mistrust can extend to local public safety officials when community members feel
federal law enforcement or legal systems are unjust or inconsistent. Families are reluctant or unwilling
to call local police for any reason after a deportation in their family or local community.56 Unwillingness
to call the police is strongest for those who are unauthorized with 70% of survey participants reporting
that they would not call police even if they were victims of crimes (compared to 44% of Latinx people
who were documented immigrants or US citizens).28F
29
Economic Impact of Immigration in Colorado
Immigrants represent a significant share of Colorado’s population. In 2019, 546,889 immigrant residents
were living in Colorado, representing approximately 9.5% of the total population. The immigrant
population includes naturalized citizens, lawful permanent immigrants (or green card holders), refugees
and asylees, certain nonimmigrants, and persons residing in the country without authorization. A review
of the research regarding immigrants' economic impact on the state indicates that immigrant
communities contribute significantly to federal, state and local taxes, and are an important component
of Colorado’s economy activity, including undocumented immigrants. In addition, recent studies show
that the economic gains from this latter subgroup of the population could be greater if they were to
naturalize.
Immigrant communities are an important part of state and local economies.
- Immigrants participate in the workforce at similar rates as their native-born counterparts. In
2018 there were 363,714 immigrant workers in Colorado, comprising 12% of the labor force.
Several important industries in the state, such as construction, accommodation and food
service, agriculture, manufacturing, and retail, have a workforce comprised of a significant share
of immigrant workers.
- Like any other Coloradoan, immigrants (naturalized, with lawful presence or status, or
undocumented) rent or own houses and consume goods in the local economy. As such, they pay
sales tax on goods purchased, and property taxes on homes owned or as part of rent payment
to landlords. In 2018 alone, households led by an immigrant paid 3.5 billion in federal taxes and
1.5 billion in state and local taxes. As part of these tax contributions, undocumented immigrants
paid approximately 272.8 million in federal taxes and 156.5 million in state and local taxes. In
27 Hagan, J.M., Castro, B., & Rodriguez, N. (2010). The effects of U.S. deportation policies on immigrant
families and communities: Cross-border perspectives. North Carolina Law Review, 88, 1799-1824.
28 Berkman, L. F., Glass, T., Brissette, I., & Seeman, T. E. (2000). From social integration to health:
Durkheim in the new millennium. Social Science & Medicine, 51(6), 843-857.
29 https://www.policylink.org/sites/default/files/INSECURE_COMMUNITIES_REPORT_FINAL.PDF
Attachment A – Immigration Process and Background
addition, DACA recipients and DACA-eligible individuals paid approximately 31.5 million in state
and local taxes.
Deportation and detention proceedings have a negative impact on state and local economies.
- Deportation and detention proceedings have a ripple effect beyond those experienced directly
by individuals and families. Detaining an individual who is a head of household incurs a cost in
the form of lost wages, a cost to employers who need to replace workers, a decrease in state
and local tax revenue, and a decrease in economic activity.
- In 2018, median annual personal income for U.S. immigrants was $31,900. A survey of consumer
expenditure data shows that individuals with an income in this range tend to spend most of
their income on the purchase of basic needs in their community and pay 9% of their income to
state and local taxes. In terms of spending power, Colorado Fiscal Institute estimates that every
dollar spent by immigrant families results in $1.6 in local economic activity. Larimer County has
approximately 4,000 unauthorized immigrants, assuming they are all of working age, if they
were all removed from their communities due to deportation proceedings, local Colorado
economies would lose $10,800,000 in state and local tax revenue, and a $192 million in
economic activity.
Naturalization has economic benefits for individuals and communities
− A recent study by the Urban Institute examined the economic impact of naturalization on
individuals and communities, and on the use of public benefits across 21 cities in the United
States. The study’s findings show that with naturalization, individual annual earnings increase by
an average of 8.9 percent, or $3,200; employment rate rises 2.2 percentage points; and
homeownership increases 6.3 percentage points. Combined earnings for the 21 cities analyzed
would increase $5.7 billion and combined tax revenues would increase $2.03 billion if all those
who were eligible to naturalize were to do so.
− In addition, the study shows that naturalization decreases the costs of government programs
and increases tax revenues, resulting in a positive net fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENT B - Peer City Municipal Immigration Legal Funds
Peer City Municipal Immigration Legal Funds
Peer City Municipal Immigration Legal Funds – Program Design
Local government entities are increasingly creating and expanding immigration legal funds. 42
municipalities in the U.S. currently have some form of immigration legal assistance to assure due
process and equity so that inability to afford an attorney is not a determining factor in the ability to
lawfully remain in the United States.10
Public-Nonprofit Partnerships
39 of the 42 municipal immigration legal funds are public-nonprofit partnerships with municipal
oversight of the funds which are dispersed through competitive grant processes to qualified, local
immigration legal service providers.
10 of the public-nonprofit partnerships have a designated community foundation that coordinates
distribution of the funds, contracts with service providers, reports annually to the municipality, and
sometimes assists with fundraising.
Public Defender’s Office Units
Some large metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Chicago initially began immigration legal services
funding by establishing units inside their existing Public Defender’s Office dedicated to detention and
deportation defense. Most have now evolved into the municipality funding not only Public Defender
positions, but also community partner-delivered education, outreach, affirmative case assistance, and
legal advice clinics.
City/County Employee Coordinator
Dane County, Wisconsin is the only municipality that created a municipal staff position to coordinate the
immigration legal fund and associated projects from their Department of Human Services. The county
Immigration Affairs Coordinator is a social worker who provides holistic case management, family
support, and coordination of outside legal services.
Student Law Office Clinics and Fellows
In addition to funding a county staff member and one local immigration attorney, Dane County also
funds a portion of the student law office immigration clinic at the University of Wisconsin to offer pro
bono immigration legal representation and advice.
The state of New York offers a similar service delivery model with funding assistance from New York
University and the Vera Institute of Justice. This immigration legal fund co-locates law school graduate
fellows with legal aid programs throughout the state.
Peer City Immigration Legal Funds – Funding Sources and Levels
The table below provides comparative information on funding and sources for immigration legal funds
for Fort Collins’ peer cities as well as municipalities with similar percentages of immigrant community
members to that of Fort Collins. Fort Collins has an immigrant community of more than 11,000 people
or 6.8% of the total population. The Fort Collins Metropolitan Statistical Area has an immigrant
community of more than 19,000 people or 11.4% of the total population.
ATTACHMENT 2
ATTACHMENT B - Peer City Municipal Immigration Legal Funds
County Funding Only
Hennepin County,
MN
• $275,000/year
• 75 cases/year
• County Funds
(275K)
City Funding Only
Baltimore, MD
• $200,000/year
• 26 cases/year
• County Funds
($200K)
County & Grant Funding
Dane County, WI
• $250,000/year
• 75 cases/year
• County Funds
($150K)
• Grant Funds ($100K)
County & Grant Funding
Harris County, TX
• $250,000/year
• 75 cases/year
• County Funds
($150K)
• Grant Funds ($100K)
City, Grant, & Nonprofit
Funding
Columbus, OH
• $159,000/year
• 68 cases/year
• City Funds ($25K)
• Grant Funds ($100K)
• Nonprofit Funds
($34K)
ATTACHMENT B - Peer City Municipal Immigration Legal Funds
City/County & Nonprofit
Funding
Denver, CO
• $525,000/year
• Estimated 100
cases/year
• County & City Funds
($500K)
• Nonprofit Funds
($25K)
City/County & Nonprofit
Funding
Sonoma County, CA
• $550,000/year
• 193 cases/year
• County & City Funds
($300K)
• Nonprofit Funds
($250K)
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank you for supporting a Legal Defense Fund
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 8:35:00 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Robyn Cascade <rc4action@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 9:37 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank you for supporting a Legal Defense Fund
Dear Fort Collins City Council,
I want to extend my gratitude for your consideration last evening of a legal defense fund for people
facing immigration proceedings and for your intention to appropriate money mid-year for such a
fund. I couldn't be more pleased about your decision.
Thank you!!!
Robyn Cascade
On Tue, Mar 23, 2021 at 8:36 PM Robyn Cascade <rc4action@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Fort Collins City Council,
I am writing to urge you to endorse and implement a local Legal Defense Fund. For several years,
I have been advocating for a statewide fund to create financial resources to provide legal
representation for people facing immigration proceedings. Fort Collins would be a leader in social
justice were your Council to support such a measure. Perhaps you are aware that immigration
proceedings are the only legal proceeding in our judicial system that do not guarantee defendants
an attorney. You may also know the research that proves immigrants with a lawyer are ten times
more likely to have a favorable outcome in their case. HOWEVER most immigrants cannot afford
legal representation and again they are not granted one if unable to pay.
Though I do not live within your jurisdiction, I know citizens and aspiring citizens who do. Please
support a Legal Defense Fund for your city and lead our state in supporting justice for our
immigrant families who work so hard and contribute invaluably to our communities and too often
are not afforded the rights and privileges enjoyed by other residents.
Thank you for your consideration,
Robyn Cascade
ATTACHMENT 3
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 8:34:49 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: ryan barone <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 9:46 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
ryan barone
ryan.p.barone@gmail.com
4015 Stoneway Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 8:29:11 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Max Armendariz <joar4492@colorado.edu>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 2:56 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Max Armendariz
joar4492@colorado.edu
3164 iron horse way
Wellington , Colorado 80549
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 8:13:52 AM
Another!
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Merlin González <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 7:25 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Merlin González
arcely1702@gmail.com
4412 E Mulberry st lot 95
Fort collins , Colorado 80524
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank you for supporting a local LDF!
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 5:12:43 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Nayda Benitez <naydabl45@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 5:12 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank you for supporting a local LDF!
Good afternoon:
I was looking at local news. Thank you for supporting a local legal defense fund for the immigrant
community in Fort Collins! You are truly modeling good local governance in our state. It is crucial
that all people, regardless of immigration status, have access to due process---especially in
immigration court.
By providing access to legal counsel for people who cannot afford a lawyer, Colorado can offset the
harm and economic impact of deportation and detention on employers who have to find new
workers, families who lose a breadwinner, children who face emotional traumas with lasting impact,
and local communities who lose a valued member and taxpayer.
I am an immigrant living in Southern Colorado, but I see you and appreciate you! I look forward to
seeing what happens next in this local fight in Fort Collins. Thank you!
Best,
Nayda Benitez
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Justice for All
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 4:58:00 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Ticie Rhodes <ticierhodes@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 3:59 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Justice for All
Dear Fort Collins leaders,
I am taking this last minute opportunity to let you know that I stand in full support of the proposed
legal defense fund for immigrants.
Having been an occasional participant in various legal proceedings, I have had the opportunity to see
universal legal representation in action, our Constitutional commitment to providing legal
representation to all who face a judge in our courts. I have also witnessed "Operation Streamline,"
which in no way bears any resemblance to justice in a court of law.
The idea that a person does not deserve competent legal representation because her or she is not a
citizen makes no sense to me--not logical, not moral, not ethical. With this such a plainly human
issue, I would hope that you too will support the legal defense fund as well.
Thank you for your time,
Lettice Rhodes
401 E Prospect
Fort Collins 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 4:56:22 PM
Another.
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: CAROL JOHN BISBEE <cjtraveler@msn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 4:19 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants
I urge you to support Fort Collins' contribution to an Immigration Legal Defense Fund.
Undocumented immigrants have no right to a public defender in deportation hearings which
puts them in danger of losing their legal rights. These immigrants need the benefit of legal
advice which the Legal Defense Fund could support.
Just like the City's partnership with nonprofits to help homeless people, the City could set
up an Immigration Legal Defense Fund to partner with nonprofits to help undocumented
immigrants.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
John W. Bisbee
713 Justice Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank you for funding immigration legal defense
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 3:28:55 PM
Another!
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: John Hayato Branderhorst <john.hayato@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 2:36 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank you for funding immigration legal defense
Dear Members of Fort Collins City Council,
Thank you for your support in funding the immigration legal defense as a mid-year
appropriation. This is important to our state and for immigrant justice, in general. I hope to
see other cities following suit.
Regards,
John Hayato Branderhorst
Golden, CO
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Thank You and A Note to Clarify
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 2:18:38 PM
Another one!
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Kiehne,Elizabeth <Elizabeth.Kiehne@colostate.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 11:45 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You and A Note to Clarify
Dear City Councilmembers,
I am a resident of District 1 and a constituent of Susan Gutowsky.
Having attended last night’s work session to discuss a legal defense fund in Fort Collins, I would like
to extend a heartfelt thank you to those of you who see the needs of our immigrant community
members and have taken stances in support. I am pleased to see support for an off-cycle budget
appropriation to pilot this fund. Importantly, I am also pleased to see that—with additional data
on need and benefits—the council is open to growing this fund moving forward.
As a researcher at Colorado State University studying immigration policy as a social determinant of
health and wellbeing, I would like to offer some clarity on a point made last night. It is true that our
immigration system is overburdened. However, it is not the case that this factor leads Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to prioritize for arrest those who pose a threat to our communities.
In fact, the opposite is more defensible: our immigration system is overburdened precisely because
of the high rate of arrest and lack of discretion. Many immigrants who are working hard, taking
care of their families, contributing to their communities, and being upstanding residents are
arrested by ICE each year. To illustrate this point, the CATO Institute—a libertarian think tank—
tabulated ICE arrest data and noted the below:
“More than one in four immigrants that ICE arrested last year had no criminal convictions at all, and
of the rest, their convictions were mostly victimless crimes—largely traffic infractions, immigration
offenses, and drug offenses. Almost 90 percent were for nonviolent crimes. ICE cannot justify its
broad crackdown based on these figures.”
I would also like to offer that a colleague in sociology/criminology at CSU and I are currently studying
the revitalizing effects of immigrants in communities. To be sure, a recent synthesis of 50 empirical
studies on immigration and crime found that as the share of the immigrant population increases in
communities, the local crime rate decreases. At the individual level, immigrants are less likely to be
incarcerated relative to U.S.-born citizens—and this holds true for undocumented immigrants as
well.
Meanwhile, immigrants here in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District pay $172.4 million in state and
local taxes, and $406.4 million in federal taxes. And across the state, immigrants employ 84,000
workers and generate $556.4 million in annual business income (with undocumented immigrants
employing 8,600 workers and generating $188.0 million in annual business income).
For these reasons and innumerable more, an immigrant legal defense fund is not only the right
thing to do, it is the smart thing to do… with benefits for us all.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Kiehne, PhD, MSW
Assistant ProfessorSchool of Social Work
Colorado State University
450 West Pitkin Street
Fort Collins, Colorado | 80521
Pronouns: she/her/hers
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Why a Legal Defense Fund?
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 2:17:00 PM
Another one!
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Angelica Prisciliano <angelicapri@icloud.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 11:56 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Why a Legal Defense Fund?
Hello,
my name is Angelica, I have worked closely with our immigrant Community for close to eight
years. The diversity and mix of vibrant cultures is what makes our State beautiful. We must do what
we can to preserve that and invest funds properly in a way that will have a positive impact in our
community. I will like to thank City Council Members who are in support of approving a much
needed Legal Defense ordinance in Fort Collins and I will urge those in opposition to reconsider
your stance. I encourage you to look at this opportunity as a way to say true to your values of family
unity and the great American protection of due process.
The impact of detention and deportation on families is devastating and long lasting and result in an
increase in economic hardship, food insecurity, and housing instability when a family member is
deported. Additionally, Immigration is the ONLY legal proceeding in the US where someone can be
detained without the right to a court appointed lawyer if they cannot afford one. Due-Process is a
right guaranteed to all individuals, no matter their race, religion, or country of origin, under the
United States Constitution if their life or liberty is threatened in a legal proceeding.
Please vote yes on this ordinance and provide people a fundamental right and help keep families
together. Thank you
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 2:15:36 PM
Fyi.
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Patricia Friehauf <pfriehauf5@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 1:25 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Dear Fort Collins City Council Members,
As a person of faith and someone who cares deeply about the welfare of the
least of these in our community, I am writing to you in support of an
Immigration Legal Defense Fund for Fort Collins. Thank you so much for your
willingness expressed at last night's City Council Meeting to consider a mid-year
appropriation to an LDF. I was disappointed to learn that undocumented
immigrants have no right to a public defender in deportation proceedings, even
though immigration law has been compared in complexity to the U.S. Tax Code!
It should be no surprise then that with legal representation (that few
immigrants can afford), those seeking to begin a new life here are 10 times
more likely to win their cases. Forensic Mental Health Assessments are also
needed to help them prevail. Our community is so fortunate to have nonprofits
who are experienced and dedicated in working with immigrants. They already
have the support of community donors, but they need the partnership that
could be provided by this fund, similar to the way that the city is partnering
with nonprofits to help those experiencing homelessness.
Denver and other cities have provided models for a Legal Defense Fund. Fort
Collins should follow their lead. Please vote YES!
Patricia Friehauf
1317 Red Oak Ct.
Fort Collins, CO 80525
--
Pat Friehauf,
Program Manager, Mobile Laundry
970-217-3546
Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join
you. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank you for funding immigration legal defense
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 2:06:47 PM
Fyi.
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Amanda Heter <amheter@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 1:53 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank you for funding immigration legal defense
Dear Members of Fort Collins City Council,
I am writing to express my gratitude and support for the majority of your
members expressing your desire to fund immigration legal defense as a mid-
year appropriation. As a Colorado resident, I think this is a hugely important
example you are setting for other cities in our state. In addition to taking a
stand for justice and human rights, by supporting this initiative you
are providing access to legal counsel for people who cannot afford a lawyer,
offsetting for Coloradans the harm and economic impact of deportation and
detention on employers who have to find new workers, families who lose a
breadwinner, children who face emotional traumas with lasting impact, and
local communities who lose a valued member and taxpayer.
Thank you for your consideration,
Amanda Heter
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:34:50 AM
FYI. I am sending you these in case you want to include in the information that you will be preparing
when you bring your item before Council for consideration.
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Andrea Cota <andycota19@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:33 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Council,
Thank you for expressing a desire to hear from more residents about how they felt about an
Immigrant Legal Defense Fund. A LDF helps keep Coloradan families together, and we must do
everything in our power to protect our communities, especially our black neighbors. Black
immigrants are over four times as likely as non-Black immigrants to face detention or deportation on
criminal grounds.
Providing representation to those who are unable to afford it also helps the state of Colorado move
forward to be a leader in economic justice. Although I am not a resident of Fort Collins, I believe
change starts from the ground up, from communities across the state.
Thank you once again for deciding to fund immigration legal defense as a mid-year appropriation.
Sincerely,
Andrea Cota Avila
Resident of Denver and Immigrant Rights Advocate
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] I support approving funds for legal services for immigrants in city budget
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:25:26 AM
fyi
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Debbie Hayhow <dhayhow@bajabb.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 3:02 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I support approving funds for legal services for immigrants in city budget
Dear
City Council Members and City Leaders,
I
am a 50 year resident of Laporte and Fort Collins, a mother, a retired medical
professional and a community activist. I believe that everyone living in the United
States should have access to equal protection under the law. Through my
experiences working in
New Mexico at a community and migrant health clinic and my work with Alianza
NORCO in Fort Collins, I have formed deep friendships with immigrants. Their
experiences with the immigration system have outraged me.
Those
immigrants who face the immigration system without legal representation have all the
might of the federal government set against them. Less than 5 percent of those who
won their case, did so without an attorney. Many immigrants have valid legal claims to
remain
in the United States, but no feasible way to articulate these claims without legal
assistance. But, with an attorney, immigrants are up to 10.5 times more likely to
succeed in their legal case. Lack of legal representation for immigrants is not equal
protection
under the law. This is why I support approving funds for legal services for immigrants
in the city budget.
Sincerely,
Debbie
Hayhow
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] I Support an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:25:15 AM
fyi
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Beth DeHaven <bethadehaven@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 3:14 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I Support an Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Dear Fort Collins City Council Members,
As a person of faith and someone who cares deeply about the welfare of
the least of these in our community, I am writing to you in support of the
Immigration Legal Defense Fund that will be under consideration at
tonight's City Council Meeting. I attended an informational meeting on
March 7 where I was disappointed to learn that undocumented immigrants
have no right to a public defender in deportation proceedings, even though
the complexity of immigration law has been compared in complexity to the
U.S. Tax Code! It should be no surprise then that with legal representation
that few of them can afford, they are 10 times more likely to win their
cases. Forensic Mental Health Assessments are also needed to help them
win their cases. Our community is so fortunate to have non-profits who
are experienced and dedicated in working with immigrants. They already
have the support of community donors, but they need the partnership that
could be provided by this fund, similar to the way that the city is
partnering with non-profits to help those experiencing homelessness.
Denver and other cities have provided models for a Legal Defense Fund.
Fort Collins should follow their lead.
Thank you,
Beth DeHaven
839 Sunchase Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80524
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:23:49 AM
fyi
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: BETTY ARAGON-MITOTES <blaragon@msn.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 3:34 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Cc: patriciamiller58.pm@gmail.com; DeLeon, Victoria <victoria.deleon@9news.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Dear Mayor and City leaders,
I am writing this letter in support of Patricia Miller and the Immigration Defense Fund. This
city prides itself on being inclusive of ALL people. What is being asked here is funding that
would cover 140 people. These are folks that contribute and have contributed to help Fort
Collins flourish. They may be invisible to many folks but they do the work and for less pay. I
have issue with anyone but especially city leaders that speak disrespectful of
undocumented people. Let me remind you they are people, somebody's mother, daughter,
sister, wife. Same for men and children. Please keep politics out of this, the big picture
here is we help people in our community. Have we not learned what hatred speech has
created, I do not believe this is who we are as a community, or as a nation. I have
tremendous respect for Patricia Miller, she represents the immigrant community. As with all
individuals , we all want to have a voice, and be heard. Please allow her that respect. She
should be allowed to speak tonight.
Gracias,
Betty Aragon-Mitotes
Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] support the Legal Defense Fund
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:19:03 AM
fyi
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Robyn Cascade <rc4action@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 8:36 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] support the Legal Defense Fund
Dear Fort Collins City Council,
I am writing to urge you to endorse and implement a local Legal Defense Fund. For several years, I
have been advocating for a statewide fund to create financial resources to provide legal
representation for people facing immigration proceedings. Fort Collins would be a leader in social
justice were your Council to support such a measure. Perhaps you are aware that immigration
proceedings are the only legal proceeding in our judicial system that do not guarantee defendants
an attorney. You may also know the research that proves immigrants with a lawyer are ten times
more likely to have a favorable outcome in their case. HOWEVER most immigrants cannot afford
legal representation and again they are not granted one if unable to pay.
Though I do not live within your jurisdiction, I know citizens and aspiring citizens who do. Please
support a Legal Defense Fund for your city and lead our state in supporting justice for our immigrant
families who work so hard and contribute invaluably to our communities and too often are not
afforded the rights and privileges enjoyed by other residents.
Thank you for your consideration,
Robyn Cascade
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Ayuda
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:18:05 AM
fyi
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
-----Original Message-----
From: Adela Gonzalez <adelagonzalez86@icloud.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 10:53 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ayuda
Gracias por los fondos Dios los bendiga
Enviado desde mi iPhone
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:14:21 AM
fyi
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Gayla Martinez <gmaxwellmartinez@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 6:03 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund
Dear Mayor Troxel and City Council,
I would like to thank you for your support of the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund. I consider this use
of funds to be a wise investment. An investment that will pay rich rewards to our community both
now and in the future.
This is the kind of city leadership that makes me proud to be a member of the Fort Collins
community. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Gayla Maxwell Martinez
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigrant Legal Defense Fund
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:05:47 AM
fyi
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
-----Original Message-----
From: leora greene <leoraygreene@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 7:43 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigrant Legal Defense Fund
Hello,
My name is Leora and I am a student at CSU. I think it’s absolutely critical that we create an immigrant legal
defense fund for the city. Generally, in Northern Colorado, there are so few resources for immigrants in terms of
legal aid, making it incredibly difficult for them to advocate for their rights. If we want to protect our immigrant
communities from unjust action, detainment, deportation, etc., this is definitely a good move.
Leora Greene (she/her)
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Legal Defense Fund
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:05:15 AM
fyi
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Adele Lonas <avlonas@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 8:55 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund
Dear City Council,
I am aware that you are considering the pros and cons of establishing a Legal Defense Fund for
Fort Collins immigrant community in the event of immigration related detention. I want to
express my support for an LDF, and my support for those of you are willing to recognize all
that immigrants contribute to our community, in particular over this past year of the
pandemic, in keeping the economy afloat. I know personally many immigrants who worked
weeks without a day off during the pandemic because of a lack of workers in the agricultural
industry, or worked on the frontline in other sectors essential to Fort Collins' economy, wading
through the openings and closings of their place of employment and finding alternative
resources and solutions to the impact the closings and reduced hours had on their income.
In short, I think it is a question of integrity - our integrity as citizens - to recognize the
contributions of our immigrant community, and establishing an LDF is the way to demonstrate
this.
In doing so, it is important to highlight that the cost of deportation extends far beyond the
families directly impacted. Deportation and detention have adverse impacts on Colorado’s
economy, employers, mental health of children and families, and the economic stability and
mobility of families, and undermine our local community's recovery from the pandemic, while
also undermining the integrity of the cohesion of our city-wide community.
Likewise, this law would help families that are already struggling from the impact of the
pandemic and/or in general cannot afford legal representation due to its prohibitive costs.
Because many undocumented immigrants are forced to work for low or substandard wages
and many are not paid overtime (nor sick leave, vacation, etc), this policy creates a much-
needed resource for the most disenfranchised, but also no less equally important members of
our communities.
Additionally, when families are pushed into the shadows because they are afraid to interact
with the government for fear of being discovered and deported, all Coloradans pay the price,
in countless and long-lasting ways.
I am aware of the anti-immigrant sentiment of our City Council member Ken Summers, and of
the article he recently wrote. In light of it, I would like to emphasize that recognizing the
contributions of our immigrant community, and the countless benefits that the presence of
immigrant communities brings to the cohesion and fabric of a city, is an imperative. It is
representative of both Fort Collins' integrity, and the personal integrity of each one of us.
There is no excuse, no pride, in not recognizing who puts the food on our tables. I ask you to
please support the Legal Defense Fund.
Thank you,
Adele Lonas
Sent from Outlook
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank you for moving forward to create the immigration legal defense fund!
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:03:53 AM
fyi
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Emily Bruell <ebruell@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 10:02 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank you for moving forward to create the immigration legal defense fund!
Hi,
My name is Emily, and although I'm from the western slope and not Fort Collins, I wanted to reach
out and say thank you for taking action to protect your immigrant constituents! I'm proud to live in a
state where cities work to ensure their community members don't have to face deportation without
access to a lawyer, even if my own town of Carbondale isn't there yet.
Best,
Emily Bruell
81623
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You and Please Vote YES!
Date:Wednesday, March 24, 2021 9:35:10 AM
fyi
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Beth DeHaven <bethadehaven@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 9:31 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You and Please Vote YES!
Dear Fort Collins City Council Members,
As a person of faith and someone who cares deeply about the welfare of
the least of these in our community, I am writing to you in support of an
Immigration Legal Defense Fund for Fort Collins. Thank you so much for
your willingness expressed at last night's City Council Meeting to consider
a mid-year appropriation to an LDF. I was disappointed to learn that
undocumented immigrants have no right to a public defender in
deportation proceedings, even though immigration law has been compared
in complexity to the U.S. Tax Code! It should be no surprise then that with
legal representation (that few immigrants can afford), those seeking to
begin a new life here are 10 times more likely to win their cases. Forensic
Mental Health Assessments are also needed to help them prevail. Our
community is so fortunate to have nonprofits who are experienced and
dedicated in working with immigrants. They already have the support of
community donors, but they need the partnership that could be provided
by this fund, similar to the way that the city is partnering with nonprofits
to help those experiencing homelessness.
Denver and other cities have provided models for a Legal Defense Fund.
Fort Collins should follow their lead. Please vote YES!
Thank you,
Beth DeHaven
839 Sunchase Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80524
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 5:29:47 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Cristyn Hypnar <cristyn.hypnar@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 5:30 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Hello all,
I attended Tuesday evening's Council Work Session, and was encouraged to hear that the majority of
city council members support the proposal of an immigration legal defense fund (LDF) as a mid-year
appropriation/pilot program. Thank you for listening to the community and recognizing that this
must be a priority in our city!
I especially applaud those of you (Council member Pignataro among others) who acknowledged that
while the current crisis surrounding immigration, detention, and deportation represents a failure on
the federal level, indeed, this does not mean we cannot do anything on the city level. I strongly
believe that if we can do something, we have a moral obligation to do so.
In this case, Fort Collins has the power to fund initiatives that could literally keep families together.
People seeking asylum or arguing their case in immigration court should have access to support and
representation under the law. Undocumented immigrants are expected to abide by the same laws
and legal system as US citizens—they should be afforded the same protections and rights. Their
human rights do not disappear when they cross the US border.
We heard several times during the work session that there are 'only 42' cities or municipalities in the
country who fund a LDF. Doesn't this seem like a real opportunity for Fort Collins to step up and
show the country what we believe in? That no person is illegal, regardless of documentation status.
That we value ALL of our community members and the skills and contributions they bring. Thank you
to Council member Potyondy for bringing your specific insight and experience with students at PSD
into the conversation.
Establishing a LDF in Fort Collins, not because other cities are doing it, but because it is the right
thing to do, would make me proud to call myself a Fort Collins community member. Or 'resident' if
we want to be concerned with the semantics as it seems Council member Summers is.
On that note, while I am not trying to shame anyone, I would be remiss to not take this opportunity
to address Council member Summers and share that I was extremely offended by many of
your questions and comments during Tuesday night's meeting. While I appreciate you trying to make
a connection with your own immigrant story, the platitude that "America is the land of opportunity,
but it won't be handed to you" implies that immigrants are looking for handouts. Or that if they do
not succeed in establishing themselves legally in this country, it is because they did not 'try hard
enough.' This is a false and misleading narrative that perpetuates the myth of the meritocracy, which
is not the reality we live in. You also seemed to be framing immigration as a choice between being
smuggled into the country vs. entering via legal means. If this country had viable legal means to
enter, people would certainly choose those to the horrible risks and conditions that come with
human smuggling.
Again, a sincere thank you to the council members who have already expressed support for the LDF.
I look forward to staying engaged as the city continues to discuss the program and immediate next
steps.
Sincerely,
Cristyn Hypnar
District 1
CRISTYN HYPNAR (she / her / hers)
design | art direction | illustration
www.cristynhypnarcreative.com/ | 248.229.9186
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 3:56:32 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Cecilia Reynolds <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 3:54 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Cecilia Reynolds
brattoncecilia@gmail.com
3536 Kingston Circle
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 3:07:17 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Judy Matthews <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 2:59 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Judy Matthews
jdymtthws@gmail.com
3154 Worthington Ave
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 1:25:04 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Adri Jane Birt <adrienne.birt@jacobcenter.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 12:25 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Adri Jane Birt
adrienne.birt@jacobcenter.org
517, South Bryan Ave.
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 12:55:09 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Jessica Shannon <jessica@incide.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 12:47 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Jessica Shannon
jessica@incide.net
2344 Nancy Gray Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Immigration Legal Defend Fund
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 11:39:37 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: nick may <violeta_928@msn.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 11:32 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Defend Fund
Good morning,
Please pass the immigration legal defend fund. There are many families and individuals who would
benefit greatly. Thank you.
Violeta May
Get Outlook for iOS
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 11:10:04 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Alyssa Esposito <alyssarespo@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 10:00 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund
Dear council members,
I wanted to express my gratitude for the time and careful consideration you all have taken to analyze
Fort Collins' need for a legal defense fund. Furthemore, thank you for listening to the many
community members and organizations that have voiced their support for this matter.
A Fort Collins legal defense fund can and will make a world of difference for our immigrant
neighbors-- due process is a human right and immigration proceedings are still the only legal
proceeding in which this right can be denied due to lack of financial resources to obtain a lawyer
(even if this person is a child, an asylum seeker, or victim of human trafficking). Families in Fort
Collins are being devastated and separated due to the effects of an immigration system that is
designed for them to fail.
The Legal Defense Fund would provide vital legal representation to our immigrant community
members. Immigrants with access to a lawyer are 10 times more likely to have successful
outcomes in their cases and 3.5 times more likely to be released on bond. These families are
currently facing a vastly complex and expensive system with little to no resources for legal
representation. These disparities have only been amplified during the pandemic and will
continue to unravel lives and families without these needed services. In my work as a social
worker in nonprofits and school systems-- I have witnessed the impacts that this has on
families: financially, emotionally, academically, as well as on their overall health and
wellbeing. I have also watched my own friends struggle to navigate this system without much
needed support. Everyone deserves access to legal representation and this fund would provide
invaluable resources in our community. Please consider voting yes on a Legal Defense Fund.
Again, I extend my gratitude to a city council that has been attentive to and purposeful in
considering this issue.
Thank you,
Alyssa Esposito, LSW
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 11:09:21 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: aboesenecker@gmail.com <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 10:03 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
aboesenecker@gmail.com
2136 Sheffield Drive
FORT COLLINS, Colorado 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 11:07:49 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Diane Matthews <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 10:14 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Diane Matthews
dnlsmtthws@gmail.com
1021 Driftwood Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 11:07:30 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Kim Graves <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 11:00 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Kim Graves
tkdkag@gmail.com
2703 Terry Lake Road
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 10:59:07 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Danielle Lagana <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 10:29 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Danielle Lagana
dmlagana@yahoo.com
1121 Maple Street
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] LDF Support
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 10:58:31 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
-----Original Message-----
From: Ted Donahue <tdonahue970@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 10:34 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] LDF Support
Dear Fort Collins City Counsel,
I would humbly ask that you represent my beliefs when considering funding legal defense for undocumented
immigrants. The cornerstone of our legal system is and should remain that all are entitled to their day in court. To
be heard and judged based on the merits of their case. Basic human rights should not be overlooked or only applied
to certain individuals or special circumstances.
Whether or not we agree with National Immigration Policies is irrelevant. The fact is that these people are here.
Some of these human beings have legitimate reasons and others may not. Some of these human beings may be
hard-working and others not. Some of these human beings may be law-abiding and others not. The fact is that these
people are here.
Many facets of our society have deteriorated recently and this has only been compounded by social media barraging
us with images and stories that tilt and misrepresent public sentiment. Our legal system must remain above the fray
and remain a model for the world. This can only happen if the System is fairly applied so that Justice may indeed be
blind and applied equally to all.
Thank you for your consideration,
Ted Donahue
Fort Collins Resident - District 1
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Thursday, March 25, 2021 8:47:51 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Kristen Mooer <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 8:47 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Kristen Mooer
kristen.mooer@gmail.com
3131 Rustic Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Friday, March 26, 2021 8:30:45 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Welthaw McGraw <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 8:43 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Welthaw McGraw
weltha@hotmail.com
1303 W Swallow Rd Unit 6B
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Friday, March 26, 2021 8:30:29 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Deirdre Sullivan <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 11:29 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
As many of you know, I’ve been engaging with immigrant families in Fort Collins over the
past decade through work with Vida Sana, La Familia, FLTI, and others. Getting to work
alongside these incredible contributors to our community’s economy, diversity, and love has
been an honor and privilege. I am thrilled at the steps Fort Collins is taking to be a more
inclusive and welcoming community for our immigrant neighbors, including the
consideration of a legal defense fund. This is action needed to accompany commitments to
diversity, equity and inclusion, leading with race.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Deirdre Sullivan
deirdreas@icloud.com
2925 Rocky Mountain Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Saturday, March 27, 2021 9:35:51 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Marney Komives <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2021 9:23 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Marney Komives
marneykomives@gmail.com
324 E. Plum St
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, March 28, 2021 10:12:11 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Jamie Hammond <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2021 9:23 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Jamie Hammond
jamieehammond@gmail.com
4301 Black Hawk Circle
FORT COLLINS, Colorado 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigrant legal defense fund
Date:Monday, March 29, 2021 6:57:16 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Taylor <taisusan@aol.com>
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2021 3:18 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigrant legal defense fund
To our FoCo Council Members,
I am 100% in favor of establishing an immigrant legal defense fund in Fort Collins. I especially hope it will be broad
enough to assist DACA folks with their renewals, as well as newer immigrants seeking asylum and fighting
deportation.
Please vote yes for this life saving fund!
Respectfully,
Susan Taylor
2608 Kansas Drive, G-145
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Taisusan@aol.com
Sent from my iPhone
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, March 28, 2021 10:25:02 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Rebecca Parish <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, March 27, 2021 10:47 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
I steadfastly support our immigrant community and vote for those who do as well.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Rebecca Parish
rebparish@gmail.com
4306 Black Hawk Circle
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
From:Sarah Kane
To:JC Ward; Ryan Mounce; Kyle Stannert; Delynn Coldiron; Heather Walls
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Funding Illegal Immigrants
Date:Wednesday, April 14, 2021 10:33:03 AM
Where should I forward constituent feedback for this Council agenda item?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sarah Kane
Supervisor, Administration
Executive Administrative Assistant to Mayor Wade Troxell & Deputy City Manager Kyle Stannert
City of Fort Collins
970-416-2447 office
“The City of Fort Collins is an organization that supports equity for all, leading with race. We acknowledge the role
of local government in helping create systems of oppression and racism and are committed to dismantling those
same systems in pursuit of racial justice. Learn more.”
-----Original Message-----
From: Jesse Rosenblum <rosenblumjh@msn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 10:30 AM
To: Sarah Kane <SKane@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Funding Illegal Immigrants
I read in this mornings “Coloradan,” that the City Council is considering providing funding of illegal immigrant
residing in Fort Collins.
I do not believe that someone who is in this country illegally should be provided taxpayer funding as a result of
breaking the law.
Charitable contributions for those who wish to support the cause of illegals is appropriate. Taxpayer money which
supports essential services should not be used for charity. If individuals wish to support illegals, that is a matter of
personal choice.
Respectfully,
Jesse H. Rosenblum
Fort Collins, CO
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Vote NO on legal defense fund for illegal aliens
Date:Thursday, April 15, 2021 10:04:13 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Susan Doran <ttdoran@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 10:02 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Vote NO on legal defense fund for illegal aliens
Dear City Leaders-
I am very disappointed to hear that you are considering using my tax dollars to pay for
ANYTHING for people who are here illegally. My tax dollars are to be used for the legal
citizens of this city- many of whom could really use some help after this awful pandemic. I
have no problem with non-profits using their own money to provide legal services for illegal
aliens but I have a huge problem with you using my money for that. I understand that two
members of council have a unique connection to this issue and I am very concerned that they
are using their position as elected officials to fund their pet projects. Please reconsider your
position to support this defense fund. Feel free to donate your own money- but don't use
mine!
Sincerely-
Susan Doran
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Grants for illegal immigrants
Date:Friday, April 16, 2021 1:37:52 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
-----Original Message-----
From: Kathryn Dillon-Durica <cltrees@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 3:20 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Grants for illegal immigrants
I have grown up in Fort Collins & have seen city council do some pretty stupid things but grants to pay the legal
fees for people that are breaking the the is the worse. If the city has to give away money it should be helping all the
small businesses that have been shut down in the past year. Those are hard working tax payers that are not breaking
the law. Having two council people on boards of organizations that are asking for grants doesn’t seem right at all.
If this goes through way should anyone in town follow any laws!!!
Kathy Dillon-Durica
906 Bramblebush
970-218-3541
Sent from my iPhone
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Financial Aid for Illegals
Date:Friday, April 16, 2021 12:08:13 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Denise Clynes <ocdc53@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 11:13 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Financial Aid for Illegals
1. Illegals are exactly that, people who entered our country and cities ILLEGALLY and are therefore
BREAKING OUR LAWS KNOWING THEY ARE ILLEGALS.
2. We have more than enough LEGAL people (some criminals) who get things FREE FROM THE
TAXPAYERS OF FC!!
3. Are all of our streets in perfect condition? Do we have enough First Responders? Are all our
sidewalks safe to use in the Winter? Do we have perfect traffic flow, everywhere? Didn't you just
pass a law that makes us taxpayers have to pay 12 cents each for grocery bags? Are our schools
doing great...no!!! I could go on...
4. And this is the one which is most troubling...2 of you either work for or volunteer for the group
that will get the money. Does that not smell to you??? Diets that not look unethical to any of you??
And finally... did any of you campaign or is it any part of your platform for running??? Have you ever
polled or asked all your constituents about how they feel about this???
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Homeless shelter/ illegal alien fund
Date:Friday, April 16, 2021 10:29:40 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Charles Meserlian <ftctrucks@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 6:56 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Homeless shelter/ illegal alien fund
City council members
I'm writing to let you know where I stand on the Hibdon Street homeless shelter and also this proposal
to spend my tax money on lawyers to keep illegal aliens from being deported. In my view, these two
issues are related and need to be dealt with simultaneously
The basis for this is who's behind all this and how the deck has been stacked against the residents and
businesses of north college. To keep from pussyfooting around, we all know the $$$ behind both of
these disastrous proposals. Also, it's now very clear as to why Emily Gorgol didn't attend any of the
committee meetings that went on for the last year and a half. The truth of the matter is that she didn't
want to buck her boss, the bohemian people. Now we have her and one other new council member
doing the bidding of the very well funded bohemian people, whom they both work for. In a lot of people's
minds, this is on the side of scuzzy, corrupt politics and shouldn't be what a city that advertises itself as
"choice city" should be about. Additionally, I don't mind letting you know that if Ms. Gorgol can't perform
her assigned duties, she should not be in the job.
If a well funded organization like the bohemians want to pay for lawyers for one of their pet initiatives,
let them fork over the money. No way in hell should you people expect taxpayers to foot the bill for yet
another liberal initiative that has zero to do with running a mid-sized city. This is also your big chance to
prove that this city council is not bound to every whim of the bohemian people and tell them north college
is a bad idea.
Thanks,
Charlie Meserlian
Fort Collins Truck Sales Inc.
700 N College Ave
Fort Collins, CO 80524
Office - (970) 490-1251
Cell - (970) 227-4277
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] No immigration legal fund
Date:Friday, April 16, 2021 10:29:07 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: pmoneill@centurylink.net <pmoneill@centurylink.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 6:28 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] No immigration legal fund
City Leaders,
I unequivocally oppose the concept of a taxpayer-supported municipal immigration legal fund in Fort
Collins. I want foreigners illegally residing here to be given every push to promptly return to their
homelands and, if that is not sufficient, to be summarily deported. Fear of the consequences is how
would-be and actual violators and encouraged to respect laws. I do not want my tax dollars being
spent in my name to prolong these actions to the point that these cases turn into humanitarian
hardships while encouraging more foreigners to disregard US immigration law to the detriment of so
many facets of our community.
City Staff and Council seem to have completely lost sight of the right of nations to seek to control
immigration and to have launched into a program to nullify federal immigration law that started with
the Community Trust Ordinance in 2017, continued with Staff’s integration last summer of input
from illegal city residents and the concept of “language justice” in city planning documents, and
culminating in this legal defense fund. If the city government doubts the validity of federal law and
sees itself being in a fight with the federal government then should I expect to see you creating legal
funds to aid local small businesses in countering EPA and OSHA regulations and to aid individuals in
not paying their income taxes to the IRS, and to remove FBI agents along with ICE agents from our
city? (I would support none of these actions either!)
The material prepared by City Staff for City Council’s March 23, 2021 work session that outlines the
case for this fund is so full of one-sided analyses and redefinitions of terms to obfuscate important
distinctions and to presume the outcome that I must offer my own terms, definitions, and analyses
before I can refute it. All nations have the right to determine which and how many foreigners to
admit. This includes the United States of America which, like any republic, is a nation of citizens (not
of immigrants), whose government is sworn to do the will of its citizens. Those who willing come
with the permission of the nation they enter to take up permanent residence are immigrants. Those
who enter as temporary visitors, students, refugees, or workers are aliens, i.e. an alien is a person
who is not currently residing in his homeland. An alien who enters a country without its permission
or who remains beyond the duration or conditions of his legal temporary admission is an alien who is
illegally residing in that country, i.e. he is an illegal alien. You are deliberately deceiving the public by
failing to distinguish between immigrants and aliens, especially illegal aliens, by calling them all
“immigrants”.
Now immigration expansionists, to make their view appear to be the only rational view by
controlling the language of the debate, try to make these terms sound silly or dehumanizing but they
are the proper, precise, dispassionate terms. In law, an alien is not a creature from another planet in
a Sci-Fi movie, nor does stating that an alien is illegally present (an “illegal alien” for short) render
any opinion on their existence as a human being. Calling an illegal alien an “undocumented
immigrant” is meant to wrongly imply that he should and will reside here permanently once the
minor formality of giving him his papers is taken care of. “Citizen” is the highest status and title that
a resident of a republic can be given and it comes with responsibilities, not only privileges, so people
are not entitled to become citizens of any nation other than their own.
In the USA, immigration policy is set by the federal government in the interests of the nation as a
whole, not by municipal governments in their narrow interests, though certainly immigration policy
affects our community, mostly negatively at this point in our history as I hope to convince you. This
policy only admits so many people and only those meeting certain criteria, which is entirely within
our nation’s right to do. This means that many people who wish to come to the USA will not be
admitted and may never be admitted. They must accept this and seek to make a good life in their
homeland. If they come anyway, they are in violation of US law and have no right to stay.
Temporary admission is just that – temporary – and is neither a precursor to, nor an implicit
guarantee of, permanent admission.
There is no fundamental right to migrate to, or to work in, the USA no matter how good the
character, intentions, or job skills of the would-be immigrant. Just wanting to pursue a better life –
the American Dream – is not sufficient reason to be admitted. Their numbers and migration rates
alone cause harm to our country and its existing residents. Thus I do not want to admit everybody
who individually would be a good addition to the country because collectively they would not be.
Immigration is about the numbers. Hundreds of millions of people want to emigrate to the USA so
we simply cannot accommodate them all. The solutions to bettering the lives of the billions of
people who live in developing or failing countries can only practically lie in those countries. The
most likely and able agents to make those changes are often the ones who want to leave and come
here instead, thus depriving those left behind of their chance at a better life.
Similarly, every potential immigrant does not have a right to hearing in a US immigration court to
adjudicate their desire to be admitted to US. Simply claiming asylum because it sounds more
compelling that a desire for more income doesn’t make it so. The US court system can’t possibly
adjudicate tens of millions of claims annually that are not in our country’s interest.
Immigration determined only by the would-be immigrants would not be good for Fort Collins. Your
immigrant defense fund would cost our city far more than its direct costs by opposing several city
objectives and increasing the costs of programs to promote them. That immigrants and aliens make
up significant portions of the labor force in some industries is merely to state the economic principle
that the cheapest, most available resource will be used first, not that this resource is essential. At
the low end, the availability of cheap, compliant labor makes it possible to hire out jobs that citizens
would otherwise do themselves, automate, or not do at all. Yes, the availability of this labor may
make our local economy bigger but, as you are finding with housing, more isn’t better; the problem
is the distribution of housing prices and of wages. And yes, because the government is better at
enforcing tax law than immigration law, even illegal aliens pay taxes, but honest studies show that
they cost more in public services (obtained legally through their children) than they pay in taxes.
Though you may wish for a minimum wage of $15 or more per hour, the availability of desperate
immigrants willing to work for less prevents the market from pushing it to that level. This harms the
prospects of the citizen workers whom you are supposed to support and who expect to work and
live according to American standards.
Few city issues will be helped by increasing our population while immigration, either directly or
indirectly by pressuring citizens to leave other US communities, drives a lot of that increase.
Nationally, the Census Bureau says that 90% of the 76 million people it expects will be added to add
to our population in the next 40 years will be immigrants (yet President Biden proposes doubling
that amount!). A privilege of citizenship is freedom of movement so we can’t and shouldn’t forbid
Americans from moving here (though we could reduce their incentives) but we have the right – and I
maintain, the duty – to restrict foreigners from moving here and that sometimes involves evicting
the ones who come without our permission.
Why did we fail to meet our 2020 greenhouse gas reduction goal that I worked so hard to meet
while serving on the Energy Board? Population increase; we exceeded it on a per capital basis.
We have a much-publicized shortage of housing that is affordable and attainable by our native
workforce. How does increasing the population of foreign low-wage workers mitigate that?
A rapidly increasing component of the cost of housing is water. Forcing the population to increase
only puts more demand on finite water resources, which may actually decrease with climate change,
and increases damage to the environment as more water projects are developed. Sure, some of this
could be mitigated by lifestyle changes but why should existing residents be forced to change to
accommodate new residents we don’t need or want?
And then there are our never-ending traffic and air pollution problems. We have arrived at the
carrying capacity of the Front Range so our population needs to stop growing. Forcing our
population to continue growing by promoting immigration is the wrong answer. Therefore, if city
government really wants to take a beneficial action on immigration, it should be to require all local
employers to use E-Verify to end the job magnet
Peter M. O’Neill
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:36:42 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Annemarie Maynard <amintransit@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 2:31 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal fund
"I’m a neighbor of Fort Collins and I want you to oppose the Municipal Immigration
Legal Fund. Do not use tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do
not have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least
fortunate citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic."
Sent from my iPhone
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:36:26 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Marc Montgomery <m_a_montgomery@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 2:51 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Greetings,
I am a Fort Collins voter and I insist that you oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal Fund. Do not use
my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not have a right to remain in the U.S. and
they compete for jobs with our least fortunate citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the
pandemic.
Marc Montgomery
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:36:10 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Chrissy Hardt <chrissyhardt@aol.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 3:02 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Fund
"I am a Fort Collins voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not
have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least fortunate
citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic."
Thank You,
Christiane Hardt
Resident of Fort Collins
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Oppose
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:35:57 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Danielle Knott <dchloebelle@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 3:12 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Oppose
I am a Fort Collins voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not
have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least fortunate
citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic.
Danielle
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:35:50 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Bobby Lankford <bobby.lankford@live.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 3:14 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
I am a Fort Collins voter (and resident of 22 years) who wants you to oppose the
Municipal Immigration Legal Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens
avoid deportation. They do not have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete
for jobs with our least fortunate citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the
pandemic.
Thank you,
Bobby Lankford
2342 Hampshire Court
Ft Collins, CO 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:01:40 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: jdemar4@aol.com <jdemar4@aol.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 3:51 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Fund
Do Not use tax payer $ for the subject purpose.
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:01:21 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Kenny Perkins <kenperkins99@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 3:59 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
I am opposed to useing taxpayer dollars to buy legal representation for illegal aliens.
Thank you!
Ken Perkins
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:00:58 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Jeffrey Dean <Jeffreyfdean@msn.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 4:25 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Jeffrey Dean
Jeffreyfdean@msn.com
415 Mason Court # 8 A
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524-4422
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:00:33 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: GLORIA KAT <gloria@thefamilycenterfc.org>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 4:29 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Everyone should be able to have their day in court, with proper representation. The legal
system is hard to navigate and in order for it to truly administer justice, we have to ensure
everyone has access to a lawyer, whether or not they can afford one.
Colorado employers, immigrants, taxpayers, and families would benefit from a statewide
legal defense fund in immigration court, where you have no right to a lawyer if you cannot
afford one.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
GLORIA KAT
gloria@thefamilycenterfc.org
309 Hickory St, 5
FORT COLLINS, Colorado 80524
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL]
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:00:21 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Fred. Nestler <nomaam64@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 4:34 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]
Illegals take away our jobs (work "under the table"), have no assets --a burden on all our social
systems/hospitals, schools, etc., and most have no automobile insurance. It's foolish to continue
supporting them as it will attract more!!
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:00:03 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Alyssa Esposito <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 4:53 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
There are a large number of youth, students in our community, that need this kind of support
to help them with things like DACA and unaccompanied minors with special immigrant
juvenile status proceedings. These children deserve an education and to keep their families
together. Please support families from being separated by harsh deportation proceedings.
As a social worker working in the education system, i have seen why we need this legal
defense fund first hand.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Alyssa Esposito
alyssarespo@gmail.com
1610 Westbridge Drive, 11G
FORT COLLINS, Colorado 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:59:50 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Cristyn Hypnar <cristyn.hypnar@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 4:58 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Hello all,
I am writing to you again with a note of support for the creation of an immigration legal defense
fund, which I know city council has been discussing for at least several weeks, if not months now. I
was encouraged when I saw an article come out in the Coloradoan speaking to this issue, but then
was very disheartened when I read through the racist and vile comments that were shared on the
article's Facebook post. Please do not be swayed by these voices of hate which often shout the
loudest. There is community support for the immigrant legal defense fund, and I have been so proud
of the council members who have voiced support for trying to implement the fund as a pilot
program via a mid-year appropriation.
As a reminder, immigration proceedings are the only legal proceeding in the country where
someone can be detained without the guarantee of representation, regardless of age or whether
they are seeking asylum. A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our
city to have access to crucial legal representation, which has been proven to greatly increase their
chances to successfully navigate the complex federal immigration system. Immigrants with access to
a lawyer are 10 times more likely to have successful outcomes in their cases.
The proposal for the immigrant legal defense fund would provide support for:
a deportation defense to keep families together;
unaccompanied children to pursue available avenues to residency;
affirmative cases like asylum, DACA, residency, and citizenship.
Please continue to support the creation of an immigrant legal defense fund in our community.
Thank you,
Cristyn Hypnar
District 1
CRISTYN HYPNAR (she / her / hers)
design | art direction | illustration
www.cristynhypnarcreative.com/ | 248.229.9186
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:59:40 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Sharon Petersen <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 4:57 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Sharon Petersen
sharon.karry@yahoo.com
7328 Tamarisk Drive
Ft. Collins, Colorado 80528
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:59:13 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Irma Albinana <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 5:15 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Irma Albinana
albinana@hotmail.com
3213 Cockney ST
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:58:59 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Adriana Quintero <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 5:17 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Adriana Quintero
a_g_q31@hotmail.com
3164 Iron Horse
Wellington, Colorado 80549
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] No on tax payer money for illegal immigrants
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:58:46 AM
Attachments:Attachment.png
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: iwuvgolf@comcast.net <iwuvgolf@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 5:18 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] No on tax payer money for illegal immigrants
No!! on taxpayer money funding lawyers for illegal immigrants !!!
Use our money for the Fort Collins citizens- what about funding for roads ; police ; fireman? Is there a conflict of interest with 2 board members being on the board of la familia an organisation requesting taxpayer money?? Stop this insanity!!!
Sent from my iPhone
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:58:20 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Kristin Mera Cano <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 6:34 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Good evening Council Members,
I want to thank each of you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23.
The legal defense fund for immigrants in our city would help many families to have the
access to the legal representation many can not reach due to the many factors and
obstacles they can not overcome. This fund is not something many would ask unless it is an
issue or a touching solution to many families who in the past have been torn apart due to
the system. This ensures many families such as my own to stay united, as many have
experienced the feeling of loss and/or distance from your loved ones due to COVID, yet this
has been the daily reality of many families.
Many immigrants have been through many obstacles and twice the challenges due to
language barriers, racism, rejection, and yet managed to stay positive and push harder for
their children and loved ones. Yet many have also been mistreated and most dehumanized
by stereotypes and misunderstandings of our culture and our true intentions. Most families
want their children to pursue the American dream and push for their education that every
and any person deserves as no one should be denied the education, love, and support of
their families, as they deserve the treatment of any human regarding their status quo. Many
advocates are the voices of those who couldn’t voice themselves due to the past
oppression, dehumanization, mistreat, and even violent acts of racism. We support the idea
of everyone being equal, having deserving opportunities as we all contribute to this country
in many ways, as most of the workers are in the construction, agriculture, and many more
fields.
Thank you for your time and in taking the steps to support your Fort Collins residents as this
is much more meaningful than just a legal fund. This is a step to giving the opportunities to
people who have advocated for as they have become part of this city and also contributed in
many ways. Thank you once again.
Kristin Mera Cano
kristin1stm@gmail.com
400 Hickory st 51
Fort Collins , Colorado 80524
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] LDF
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:58:01 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Adrienne Birt <adrienne.birt@jacobcenter.org>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 7:21 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] LDF
Hi City Leaders,
Let's do it! This Legal Defense Fund has amazing potential if we fund it properly and I am in full
support. It could:
· Keep families together through deportation defense
· Support unaccompanied children in our school district through Special Immigrant
Juvenile Status (SIJS) proceedings
· Support affirmative cases like DACA applications, and for those who have temporary
documentation to apply for residency, work permits, or ultimately, citizenship
--
Adrienne Birt
Trauma Treatment Coordinator
"When little people are overwhelmed by emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their
chaos." -L.R. Knost
729 Remington St. Fort Collins, CO 80524970-484-8427
www.jacobcenter.org
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Illegal immigration
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:57:15 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
-----Original Message-----
From: Tracy Johnson <tnttracy1@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 7:42 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Illegal immigration
Please don’t use tax payer money for illegal alien representation. Let people donate to NGOs and other
organizations.
Tracy J
Broomfield, CO
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting the Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:57:01 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Ingrid Justin <ijustin@frii.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 8:12 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting the Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund is an excellent way of acknowledging and
responding to how much immigrants contribute to to Fort Collins, in tax dollars a well as
through their labor, experience, knowledge and cultural backgrounds. The defense fund
stabilizes families, protects the innocent from exploitation and harm and, in the long run,
improves the health and stability of Fort Collins as a whole.
In supporting this fund, Council members, you are righting a judicially enshrined wrong, that
of detention and deportation proceedings without guaranteed access to a lawyer (the only
legal proceeding where this occurs). The current proposal provides legal services at
remarkably low cost to the fund via the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network.
Almost all Americans have immigrated to this country, whether they chose to believe that or
not. The continued vibrancy of this nation and Fort Collins depends on an influx of a variety
of people.
I commend you and thank you for creating an Immigrant Legal Defense Fund.
Ingrid Justin MD
Ingrid Justin
ijustin@frii.com
mailing address: P.o. Box 156
Timnath CO, Colorado 80547
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Illegal immigration
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:55:39 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Tina Helms <tootinytoo@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2021 9:37 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Illegal immigration
"I am a Boulder County voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration
Legal Fund. Do not use our tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They
do not have a right to remain in the U.S. and they compete for jobs with our least
fortunate citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic."
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Support for Legal Defense Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:55:29 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Marney Komives <marneykomives@comcast.net>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 12:25 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Legal Defense Fund
Dear City Council Members,
We write in full support for the proposal to establish a Legal Defense Fund to ensure legal
representation for our asylum seeking brothers and sisters in Fort Collins.
It is the right,humanitarian step to take and Fort Collins would join Denver and many other US cities
who have already established similar funds. This fund will help struggling immigrant families who
cannot afford legal representation to pursue their paths toward asylum, DACA, residency or
citizenship. It would help unaccompanied children to pursue the way forward to residency or
citizenship. Immigrants who do have legal representation to accompany them through the complex
immigratiion court process are much more likely to be successful.
Fort Collins, during the 44 years of our residency here, has been forward thinking in establishing
programs to benefit all of its residents, regardless of color or country of origin. This is an opportunity
to step up in one more way to be an inclusive community. Please VOTE to establish a Legal Defense
Fund in Ft. Collins.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Marney and Bob Komives
324 E. Plum St.
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:54:27 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Rorey King <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 8:02 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
Immigrants by definition are people who move, who move across borders that have shifted
and changed or that were never there to begin with, and who move today more often than
not because of the adverse impacts of the long imperial and colonial relationships between
their home countries and the US. I am so happy that this council has decided to support and
advocate for the dignity of people who move, and move courageously with the their safety,
well-being, and that of their families in mind.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex and difficult federal immigration system and enable them to stay with their families
throughout this process. Immigration hearings are the only legal proceeding in the country
where someone is detained without the guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an
asylum seeker. People do not leave their human rights at the border, one that was imposed
on many of them in the first place. But as it is, the vast majority of immigrants facing
deportation and detention go before a judge alone. As the single most determinative factor
of immigration cases everyone, no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to
present their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who can advocate for their
interests.
The Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund is an incredibly important precedent in our community
that would additionally:
-Value the humanity of immigrant people living in Fort Collins by affirming and upholding the
human rights they are denied -Allow for a greater chance that detained peoples will be let
out of ICE custody on bond and are not subjected to abuse, neglect, and the traumatizing
and inhumane conditions of ICE detention facilities, including increased exposure to COVID
without proper care or release on humanitarian bond
-Interrupt anti-black racism towards black immigrants who are targeted by ICE officials for
detention and deportation at much higher rates by ensuring that EVERYONE have access
to due process
-Reduce the chances that people will be deported and subjected to one of the harshest
punishments that can be imposed (prolonged or permanent separation from your loved
ones, exile from your country, long term economic hardship, food insecurity and the
resulting health issues) simply because someone doesn’t have representation
-Increase the economic success and wellbeing of immigrant families by decreasing the
adverse effects of deportation on families food and economic security, and mental and
emotional well being
-Put to practice what many of us profess to believe that families should stay together, that
we value the immigrant members of our community and want them to thrive
So many thanks for taking taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with
the legal resources they need!
Sincerely,
Rorey King
Rorey King
cgking7@gmail.com
2443 montmorency st
Fort Collins, CO, Texas 80626
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:54:12 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Gayla Martinez <gmaxwellmartinez@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 8:11 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund
Dear Mayor Troxel and City Council,
I want to thank you again for your support of the Legal Defense Fund for our immigrant friends and
neighbors. Your commitment shows understanding of the fact that the strongest community is one
that stands together.
I would ask for a minimum commitment of $350,000 to be used for deportation defense to keep
families together, support for unaccompanied children to pursue available avenues to residency, and
support for affirmative cases like asylum, DACA, residency, and citizenship.
This is an investment. The returns will be both economic and social.
Again, thank you, for your courageous and forward thinking leadership.
Sincerely,
Gayla Maxwell Martinez
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL]
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:54:01 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Brenda Ziporlin <astoriaz2@msn.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 9:11 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]
I oppose illegal alien defense fund!! We should spend our hard earned tax dollars on Americans such
as the Vets and homeless! America First!! Where has common sense gone?
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:53:43 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Beth DeHaven <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 9:25 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
As a person of faith and a strong supporter of ISAAC and other local non-profits working
with our Latinx and immigrant community, I am writing to thank you for your support of
creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Beth DeHaven
bethadehaven@gmail.com
839 Sunchase Dr.
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524-6029
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:53:33 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Jenny Illig <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 9:37 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Jenny Illig
mamatwoboy@aol.com
1806 linden lake rd
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:53:20 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: akatookles@gmail.com <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 9:38 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
akatookles@gmail.com
636 Cheyenne Drive, Unit 9
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:53:08 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Lindsay von Bernuth <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 9:50 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Lindsay von Bernuth
lindsayvonb@gmail.com
2127 Sweetwater Creek Drive
Fort Collins , Colorado 80528
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:52:51 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Zachary Bruick <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 11:08 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Zachary Bruick
zbruick@gmail.com
1203 Kirkwood Dr
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:49:11 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Patricia Friehauf <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 12:59 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Patricia Friehauf
pfriehauf5@gmail.com
1317 RED OAK CT, , false
FORT COLLINS, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:48:54 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Felicia Hirning <felicia@hirning.us>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 1:36 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Felicia Hirning
felicia@hirning.us
3508 Muskrat Creek dr
Fort Collins, Colorado 80528
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:48:41 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Rebecca Shelley <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 2:06 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
I am for this legal defense fund. In the past, my husband and I were approached by a young
woman whose parents have worked for us. She was brought over after her parents (who are
legal residents) came. They were not able to fund her path to citizenship and she was
extremely afraid of being deported. She was a young lady with promise and my husband
and I funded her path to citizenship. Gaining citizenship is expensive and it takes time. She
gradually paid us back in more ways than monetarily. I have been talking about the need for
such as this fund ever since we helped this young lady. Fort Collins is a great city. It's past
has not always been kind to immigrants and people of color in general. It is time to consider
what we can do for those who have come here out of necessity and hope, to live and work
and help Fort Collins thrive. I hope people will take the time to check out the expense and
time it takes to become a citizen. Remember that most of us got here through our ancestors
journey and many of them did not gain citizenship. I hope people will dare to read their own
history and realize that it is even more challenging to gain citizenship now. Immigration
reform should have been legislated long before now and we, as a society should demand
that it be delayed no more. By working to bring about a path towards citizenship through this
city plan, Fort Collins will gain in ways that will bless the entire community.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Shelley
Rebecca Shelley
spsphelley@aol.com
4541 Eagle Lake South
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Please Vote Against Municipal Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:48:16 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: David Coulter <dmtnhwkc@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 3:22 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please Vote Against Municipal Immigration Legal Defense Fund
"I am a Fort Collins voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not
have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least fortunate
citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic."
Respectfully,
David Coulter
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:48:01 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Carol Bisbee <cjtraveler@msn.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 3:44 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to ask you to support the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund.
Immigrants are an important part of our community; they are workers and tax-payers. They
are parents and bread winners.
Immigration proceedings are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is
detained without the guarantee to a lawyer, and they are incredibly complex and difficult to
navigate on your own.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
I encourage you to seriously consider the $380,000 option which covers 20 detention cases,
25 special cases, and 100 cases for people pursuing longer stays in the U.S.
As Emily Gorgol said, "We are spending dollars that we're to get back by investing in
community members."
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Carol Bisbee
cjtraveler@msn.com
713 Justice Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO!
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:47:45 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Leon Spors <lmspors@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 3:49 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO!
"I am a Fort Collins voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not
have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least fortunate
citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic."
Leon Spors
Fort Collins, CO 80526
Virus-free. www.avast.com
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Support Immigrant Legal Defense Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:47:32 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: John Bisbee <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 3:56 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support Immigrant Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Please support a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund for immigrants.
This Fund would allow immigrants to have access to a lawyer, which would mean that
families could stay together and ensure that Fort Collins residents would be guaranteed due
process.
This legal defense would increase immigrants chances of successfully navigating the
complex federal immigration system. Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and
difficult to navigate on your own and are the only legal proceeding in the country where
someone is detained without the guarantee to a lawyer.
Once again, I urge you to support a Legal Defense Fund. This would be of great value to
many Fort Collins residents.
John Bisbee
gradsto65@gmail.com
713 Justice Drive
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:47:14 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: San Burch <san7burch@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 3:57 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants
City Council,
I am writing today asking you to voice my support for the Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants and to
ask for each one of you to vote in favor of this much needed cause. The three priorities this fund will
meet are: deportation defense to keep families together, support for unaccompanied children to
pursue available avenues to residence, and support for affirmative cases like asylum, DACA,
residency, and citizenship. My hope is that you will approve the amount $380,000 to help at least
140 cases and that the amount would increase each year.
Fort Collins Resident,
San Valdez Burch
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:46:56 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Paul West <prwest@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 6:19 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers:
I am greatly dismayed to learn of the proposed ordinance to provide legal assistance to illegal immigrants
facing deportation. It is misguided efforts like these that drive voters to elect horrible leaders like Donald
Trump. Record-breaking numbers of illegal immigrants have resulted from the proclamations the Biden
administration has made regarding curtailed deportations. Fort Collins city leaders must not add to this
bad situation by financing delaying tactics for those facing deportation.
I recently responded to a post on Nextdoor.com by someone lamenting the waste of Fort Collins tax
revenues on "feel good" projects. At the time I replied by saying that I was in favor of the City pursuing
such projects. Unfortunately, the Municipal Immigration Legal Fund is the very essence of a "feel good"
project that leads to disrespect for the City's leaders.
The last thing a world facing catastrophic climate change needs is more Americans. Population growth is
fueled primarily by immigration, both legal and illegal. It is important that we not encourage illegal
immigration by condoning it and by providing legal cover to those whose efforts to circumvent immigration
laws have failed.
Fort Collins has struggled to find solutions to a growing homeless population. Diverting funds to aid
illegal immigrants makes no sense, especially given the fact that illegal immigrants frequently compete for
the same job opportunities that the homeless might have a chance at.
I implore you all to vote against immigration fund ordinance. It's passage would have many adverse
unintended consequences.
Sincerely,
Paul West
1437 Regency Ct
Fort Collins, CO 80526
(970)225-0508
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:46:45 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Lisa Evans <lceskidive@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 17, 2021 6:38 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund
Dear Fort Collins Leaders,
I encourage you to fund the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund to allow contributing members of
our community a reasonable change to address immigration and deportation issues they are
confronted with. Many of these folks are Essential Workers, who stuck with their jobs through
the pandemic, if they still had jobs, and put themselves at risk. In normal times they do a lot
of the key service and hospitality and construction jobs, including agricultural work. They pay
taxes and are active contributors to the well-being of our city.
I support the 3 priorities brought up by the proponents of this fund: deportation defense to
keep families together, support for unaccompanied children to pursue available avenues to
residency, and support for affirmative cases like asylum, DACA, residency, and citizenship.
I urge you to do the same.
Thank you
Lisa Evans
80526
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] The Importance of an Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:46:29 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Sarah Hafen <shafen@colostate.edu>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:33 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] The Importance of an Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear City Council Members,
Thank you for your supporting the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund during the
study session on March 23rd.
A legal defense fund is crucial to ensuring due process for Fort Collins residents. In the state
of Colorado, 3 in every 4 immigrants currently detained do not have any form of legal
representation. In fact, immigration proceedings are the only legal proceeding in the United
States in which someone can be detained for months without ever speaking to a lawyer.
Data from across the nation shows that individuals are 10x more likely to be granted relief if
they have legal representation. Yet, most families cannot afford the thousands of dollars it
costs to hire a private lawyer.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together.
I thank you for taking this important step to ensure that all Fort Collins residents are
guaranteed their Fifth Amendment rights. As Americans, we have a duty to ensure that no
one shall be "deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law."
Sincerely,
Sarah Grace Hafen
shafen@colostate.edu
Resident District 1
Sarah Hafen
shafen@colostate.edu
844 Apex Dr Unit C
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: The Importance of an Immigrant Legal Defense Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:45:54 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Hafen,Sarah Grace <SarahGrace.Hafen@colostate.edu>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:36 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] The Importance of an Immigrant Legal Defense Fund
Dear City Council Members,
Thank you for your supporting the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund during the study
session on March 23rd.
A legal defense fund is crucial to ensuring due process for Fort Collins residents. In the state of
Colorado, 3 in every 4 immigrants currently detained do not have any form of legal representation.
In fact, immigration proceedings are the only legal proceeding in the United States in which
someone can be detained for months without ever speaking to a lawyer.
Data from across the nation shows that individuals are 10x more likely to be granted relief if they
have legal representation. Yet, most families cannot afford the thousands of dollars it costs to hire a
private lawyer.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have access to
legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the complex federal
immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay together.
I thank you for taking this important step to ensure that all Fort Collins residents are guaranteed
their Fifth Amendment rights. As Americans, we have a duty to ensure that no one shall be "deprived
of life, liberty or property without due process of law."
Sincerely,
Sarah Grace Hafen
Resident District 1
844 Apex Dr. Unit C
Fort Collins, CO 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:07:41 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Kroemer,Rex <Rex.Kroemer@ColoState.EDU>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:08 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Fund
Hello,
Please do not create an Immigration Legal Fund.
It is my tax dollars, and I should have an input.
Thank You,
Rex Kroemer
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Support for Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants
Date:Sunday, April 18, 2021 11:03:58 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Julie Sutter <julie.sutter@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 10:01 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants
To the Fort Collins City Council Members and City Manager:
I am writing to express my support for the proposed legal defense fund for immigrants being
considered at the upcoming April 20 council meeting. The priorities for the fund (deportation
defense to keep families together, support for unaccompanied children to pursue available avenues
to residency, and support for affirmative cases like asylum, DACA, residency and citizenship) are
essential to providing due process through legal representation for valued and vulnerable members
of our community. I think an investment at the highest proposed amount as an off-cycle budget
allocation makes sense, and demonstrates the kind of compassion and commitment I expect from
our city.
Thank you for prioritizing access, equity and representation for Fort Collins residents and for making
smart decisions that support our workforce during an especially critical time to do so.
Sincerely,
Julie Sutter
80521
970-420-6006
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] immigrant legal defense fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 5:27:55 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Sally Dowiatt <dowiatts@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 8:48 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] immigrant legal defense fund
Hello Fort Collins City Council,
I am a long term resident of Fort Collins. I am writing to you
today to express support for the creation of a legal defense
fund that supports our community's immigrants who are
facing deportation. Immigrants threatened with deportation
are the only group that is not guaranteed legal representation
by the justice system. This is racist and xenophobic. If we truly
want to be a Choice City, we must take active steps to
welcome and support all citizens.
Thank you for your hard work and support in this challenging
time.
Celeste Dowiatt
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL]
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 2:14:34 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Judy Landrum-Papenfuss <jlpcolorado@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 1:57 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]
To Whom it Might Concern:
Please vote NO on the municipal immigration legal fund.
Thank you.
Steve and Judy Papenfuss
Fort Collins
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 1:26:44 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Josiah Kiehne <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 12:56 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to ask you to support an immigrant legal defense fund in Fort Collins.
Immigrants are an integral part of our community and economy and we must recognize that
in both word and deed. Let's put our money where our mouth is and allocate resources to an
important equity measure in our community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
Josiah Kiehne
Josiah Kiehne
josiah.kiehne@gmail.com
2224 Shawnee Ct.
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 1:24:49 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Charlotte Marshall <grand73@comcast.net>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 1:22 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Fund
Dear Mayer and Council members,
As a Fort Collins voter I want you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do NOT use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do
NOT have a right to stay in the United States of America. They compete for jobs with
the least fortunate citizens, too many of which are still unemployed due to the
pandemic.
People who come to the United States legally and seek citizenship are welcome.
The city should not be a protected haven for illegal immigrants, or whatever
President Biden wants them referred to as. We all must work with ICE.
Thank you,
Charlotte Marshall
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Input on Municipal Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 12:28:30 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: glenc1@comcast.net <glenc1@comcast.net>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 12:08 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Cc: glenc1@comcast.net
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Input on Municipal Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Dear City Council Members,
I would like to thank all of you for your service on council. I know it takes a lot of time and hard
work.
I would respectively ask that you vote against item 30 on your agenda, establishment of a Municipal
Immigration Legal Defense Fund. While I understand that illegal immigrant rights activists are very
persuasive with emotional arguments regarding why the City government should help people avoid
deportation, to do so is not an appropriate role of the City and will only encourage more illegal
immigration. Below are some reasons why to vote against this proposal.
1. The public process for this item appears to be highly irregular and essentially non-existentoutside of the “immigrant rights” community. This alone should be enough vote no on thisitem.
a. This proposal appears to have been drafted with no input outside of the illegal
immigrant rights activists, groups that would be receiving funds, and city staff. There
should have been input from groups/individuals opposed to public funding of legal
services for illegal immigrants who could articulate the downsides, unintended
consequences, and real costs of this proposal.
b. Has there been any effort to get input regarding this item from the general public?
c. Why is this being done outside the regular budgeting process? Shouldn’t the public
have the opportunity to help prioritize this item versus other critical spending needs?
2. Illegal immigration is one of the top issues in the country and polls show that most peoplewant more enforcement of immigration laws, not less.
a. Helping people avoid deportation or gain legal status is not something the Fort Collins
City government should be involved with.
b. People or groups interested in this cause should raise private money for their efforts.
c. Instead of normalizing and encouraging illegal immigration, the City should require all
employers to utilize E-Verify to ensure jobs go to legal residents. Mandatory E-Verify is
supported by 72% of voters.
3. This is just one more step towards making Fort Collins an outright sanctuary city thatserves to attract illegal immigrants with numerous benefits and protects them fromprosecution for their actions.
a. There are very real costs to having a large number of illegal immigrants in FortCollins.
i.Illegal immigrants get free K-12 education for their children, free health care
as needed, in-state tuition, free meals, and many other costly public
services.
ii. Illegal immigration pushes down the wages of legal workers, especially the
less skilled, minorities, and youth, as unscrupulous employers benefit. This
helps to drive poverty, homelessness, and income inequality in the
community.
iii. Affordability of housing is negatively impacted.
4. Fairness to citizens
a. The City budget is under tight constraints and facing $13.2M in budget cuts from 2020.
We also have large numbers of homeless people and people suffering from the
economic consequences of COVID-19. How can it possibly be justified to start
providing low or no cost legal services to those in the country/city illegally over other
needy people?
5. Most people facing deportation have committed other crimes, including identity theft, that
brought them to attention of immigration officials. They are not all innocent victims.
Thank you for listening and please understand that for every person that speaks or writes against
this misguided effort, there are many who feel the same who will not come forward. Many believe
they will not be listened to or, even worse, that they will be labeled as anti-immigrant or worse. And
frankly, many people are frustrated with elected officials in Colorado taking numerous actions to aid
and even encourage illegal immigration (in-state tuition, drivers licenses, public housing assistance,
not cooperating with federal immigration authorities, this proposal) and doing nothing to help
enforce our national immigration laws (such as requiring E-Verify).
Let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Glen Colton
9702173103
Fort Collins resident
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 12:00:40 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Barbara Pierce <barbara.prc@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 11:59 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Legal Fund
"I am a Fort Collins voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not
have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least fortunate
citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic."
Barbara A Pierce
pierceba@hotmail.com
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [WARNING: Possible Phish Fraud] [EXTERNAL] NO. 064, 2021
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 11:43:23 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Laura Edwards <asfourme@juno.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 8:54 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [WARNING: Possible Phish Fraud] [EXTERNAL] NO. 064, 2021
WARNING: Your email security system has determined the message below may be a potential
threat.
It may pose as a legitimate company, tricking victims into revealing personal information.
If you do not know the sender or cannot verify the integrity of the message, please do not
respond or click on links in the message. Depending on the security settings, clickable URLs
may have been modified to provide additional security.
Against: Ordinance NO.064, 2021, APPROPRIATING PRIOR YEAR RESERVES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF A MUNICIPAL IMMIGRATION LEGAL DEFENSE FUND.
I am a Larimer County resident, and former Fort Collins resident. As a well informed, active citizen I
want you to know that when public policy is wrong in a city, I choose to intentionally take my
business elsewhere. If you vote to direct city reserve funds (or any taxpayer dollars) to pay for legal
battles of non-citizens, while not offering the same benefits to legal taxpayers, my patronage will
leave Fort Collins. Why should I willingly spend my money in a City whose policies are inequitable,
bad policy? No more shopping at F.C. stores, no more automobile purchases, no more F.C. doctor
visits, no more recreating in F.C. facilities. Money spent in the city finds its way to City Government
via business property taxes, employee income taxes as well as sales taxes.
Additionally, if you have Council Members serving with organizations that will or are likely to receive
these funds, they should recuse themselves from any vote to move policy in this direction.
It's obvious to any thinking citizen, that this proposed policy is a pet project being pushed through
quickly. Or why not use the regular budgeting process, This is not what your citizens intended their
City's Reserve Funds be used for.
Yes, I'm one person, but I am not alone in my thinking, or my actions.
Money talks, take heed and listen; this 'ordinance' is wrong.
Laura Edwards
____________________________________________________________
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From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 11:41:04 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Sarah Parrish <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 9:57 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I want to applaud you for supporting the creation of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund.
I believe in the basic right of access to an attorney particularly given all the complexities in
our immigration system, language and cultural barriers. I had not realized that children are
being detained, asylum seekers, and not being provided legal representation - it's just wrong
so I want to thank you for your support in trying to address this - I also get that there is
contention around this. I am a firm believer that everyone, no matter who they are, should
have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just manner, by having someone who
can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Sarah Parrish
slongstreth@yahoo.com
636 Heather Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL]
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 11:40:37 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Loreena Schmidt <loreenaschmidt@outlook.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:12 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL]
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Taxes should be limited to the needs of the taxpayer not to defend the legal expense of illegals. It’s
unbelievable city council would consider taking up such matters. Some council members are
exposing themselves and their real agendas.
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Illegal aliens defense fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 11:37:40 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: FRED BOGARD <fmbogard@aol.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 11:24 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Illegal aliens defense fund
I am a Fort Collins voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not
have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least fortunate
citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic.
People in this country illegally are breaking the law, and spending tax dollars to assist
them in continuing to break the law is ridiculous.
Fred Bogard
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] legal defense for immigrants
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 11:16:43 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Michael Stadtmueller <michael@our-saviours.org>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:30 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>; patricia.millier@alianzanorco.org; Leta Behrens
<leta@our-saviours.org>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] legal defense for immigrants
As a pastor of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in the city of Fort Collins, and a long time resident of
this community I want to express my support for the legal defense fund for immigrants. These are
vital members of our community and we want to make sure that all members of our community
have support from our legal system. In fact that a campaign is going on against these groups, and
seeing the hate and vitriol that can be seen on the facebook post about it only proves how necessary
this is. Please help us to keep our focus on those in need in our community. These people deserve
fair representation. They are tax-payers in our community and vital workers here as well.
Sincerely,
Rev. Michael Stadtmueller
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Please support the Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 11:15:44 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Cailene,Amy <Amy.Cailene@colostate.edu>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 11:15 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please support the Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants
Dear Fort Collins City Leaders,
I am writing to you to ask for your SUPPORT of the Legal Defense Fund for Immigrants. I
work often with students who are undocumented. I have heard their stories and the stories
of their families. This fund should be supported because it is the right and humane decision.
There are many reasons for this but in the interests of brevity, here are a few:
This Fund will help to:
Keep families together through deportation defense
Support unaccompanied children in our school district through Special Immigrant
Juvenile Status (SIJS) proceedings
Support affirmative cases like DACA applications, and for those who have temporary
documentation to apply for residency, work permits, or ultimately, citizenship.
Thank you in advance for recognizing these basic human rights, and for acting to support
them.
Amy
Amy Cailene
She/Her/Hers
Career Education Manager
Colorado State University
Career Center
College of Natural Sciences
Amy.cailene@colostate.edu
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Illegal Alien Defense Fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 10:57:35 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Judy Work <juWork@live.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:48 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Illegal Alien Defense Fund
I am a Fort Collins voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not
have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least fortunate
citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Non Deportation Fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 10:57:24 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Michael Smith <mtssfca1958@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 10:49 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Non Deportation Fund
"I am a Fort Collins voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not
have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least fortunate
citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic."
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 9:19:43 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Bronia N Marinelli <bronia2@icloud.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 7:34 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
"I am a Fort Collins voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not
have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least fortunate
citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic."
Bronia Marinelli
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 9:19:04 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Me <ls111697@comcast.net>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 9:09 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Defense Fund
Dear Council members,
I clearly oppose my tax dollars paying into a defense fund for illegal immigrants. The budget has not
been set, what will be denied the residents of Fort Collins for dollars to be placed into this fund?
I also question the integrity of some council members that lobby for these measures and
then vote on the issue. Absolutely not! Council members Emily Gorgol should recuse herself from
this vote.
Sincerely,
Bridget Morris
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Legal Fund for illegals on the backs on citizens
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 9:18:54 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Nancy Nelson <nancynelson982@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 9:11 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Legal Fund for illegals on the backs on citizens
Fort Collins leaders:
I am shocked to learn that my city government finds it necessary to set up a legal fund for people
that did not obey our immigration laws and use reserve funds to pay for it.
I’m also shocked that a full time lobbyist for La Familia has brought this to the government. At the
very least Emily Gorgel needs to recuse herself. How come you didn’t recognize this full time
conflict of interest?
In my opinion, based on who the beneficiaries are (law breakers) of the proposed funding, and the
fact it puts Fort Collins in legal jeopardy by violating federal law and agency, this should never have
gotten the time of day. The very idea of this is 100 percent disrespect for our federal laws.
Please vote against this abuse of taxpayers funds. It is a betrayal of the trust given you.
Nancy Nelson
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Let"s Create a Immigrant Legal Defense Fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 8:51:31 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Joshua Stallings <josh@coloradoimmigrant.org>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 7:59 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Let's Create a Immigrant Legal Defense Fund
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to thank you for the support you showed for a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd, and to encourage you to move this proposal
forward.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Studies have found that people with a lawyer in immigration proceedings are 10.5x more
likely to win some form of immigration relief. This means that funding a Fort Collins LDF will
help keep families together, support the local economy by reducing turnover costs and
allowing more people to have work authorization for stable employment, allow kids to focus
in school without worrying about the threat of deportation and family separation, improve the
mental health of mixed status families in our community, and so much more.
Thank you for taking important steps to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need! Please move this proposal forward by bringing it to a reading and fully
funding the proposal at least $380,000 a year!
Peace + Love,
Josh Stallings
Joshua Stallings
josh@coloradoimmigrant.org
1544 Lashley St
Longmont, Colorado 80504
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 7:27:26 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Lena Kabeshita <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 6:10 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Lena Kabeshita
lkabes42@gmail.com
1620 Crestmore Pl
Fort Collins , Colorado 80521
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Support for Legal Defense Fund
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 7:27:10 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Lena Kabeshita <lkabes42@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 6:24 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>; jeniarndt53@gmail.com
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Support for Legal Defense Fund
Dear City Council Members,
As a resident of Fort Collins and the daughter and granddaughter of Japanese immigrants in the
United States, I stand in solidarity with immigrant communities in Fort Collins and support the
allocation of a legal defense fund.
I ask that you honor the humanity of immigrants and stand by your commitments to social justice
and human rights and support the legal defense fund. Immigrants are still human beings like you and
me. And like any human being, immigrants deserve to stay with their families, to receive due-
process, to earn a living wage, and to pursue an education and a better life for themselves and their
families.
What kind of community do you want Fort Collins to be? What side of history do you want Fort
Collins to be on? I ask that you remember our shared humanity and support the legal defense fund.
Sincerely,
Lena Kabeshita
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] no
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 7:26:46 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: norma gallatin <ngallatin1@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 7:22 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] no
"I am a Fort Collins voter who wants you to oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal
Fund. Do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not
have a right to remain in the U.S. And they compete for jobs with our least fortunate
citizens. Too many are still unemployed during the pandemic."
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Feedback on Legal Defense Fund Pilot
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 7:26:33 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: trudyh1@comcast.net <trudyh1@comcast.net>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 7:50 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Cc: Sarah Kane <SKane@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Feedback on Legal Defense Fund Pilot
Dear Council Members,
First of all, thank you for serving the City and for all the work you do.
I am writing to express my feedback regarding the Legal Defense Fund idea to provide free legal
counseling to people in our country illegally. I am opposed to this proposal. While I understand
some Council members’ passion for the plight of people in the US illegally, this is an inappropriate
use of our citizens’ tax money. I suggest that those Council members who are passionate about this,
personally work to raise money privately for the non-profits currently providing such service.
1. First of all, this proposal should go through the normal budget review process and discussed
and prioritized with all the other competing demands. It is inappropriate to propose this off
cycle. What about other issues such as homelessness, housing affordability, etc.?
2. Secondly, the County provides social services and this is not an appropriate role for the City.
3. Any Council members (current and newly elected) involved in the organizations that are
pushing for this proposal should recuse themselves. It seems like a conflict of interest.
4. Voter input should be garnered. I estimate that though people may feel sorry for those
entering our country illegally, most citizens would be opposed to using tax money to provide
legal services in order to stay here. People opposed to this proposal will be afraid to come
forward as they may be labeled or demeaned; it has happened. The only way to get good
voter information is to proactively send a survey to random residents in the City.
5. Everything that we do to help people here illegally, such as, free education, sanctuary city
status, medical care, driver’s licenses, in-state tuition, food assistance for children, housing
assistance, etc., just encourages more and more people to abuse our laws. It sounds
compassionate, but all these actions have huge untended consequences. These actions just
encourages even more:
a. Dangerous border crossings putting many at risk and often children being put at risk
b. Human trafficking—with dangerous criminals
c. Unscrupulous employers who abuse their employees and undercut those business
people who are honest hiring legal workers and paying overtime, worker’s comp, social
security and other payroll taxes
d. Undercuts wages for our working poor; do you know with the ever ending supply of
“cheap” labor—wages for construction and the trades are much the same as they were
in the 1970’s?
e. Pressure on affordable housing for our working poor
You may think you’re being compassionate by helping individuals, but you can exacerbate major
problems for the many. Have any of you studied requiring employers to use E-Verify to dry up the
job magnet for those crossing our borders illegally or overstaying their visas? E-Verify is the humane
way to discourage being in our country illegally and stops employers from breaking our laws. Do you
really wish to tell our citizens, many who are struggling themselves with unemployment, housing and
medical costs, etc., that this is a priority for their tax money?
Thank you,
Trudy Haines
Trudyh1@comcast.net
970-218-6010
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 7:25:30 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Keith Ela <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2021 10:51 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
Our Congress keeps kicking the can down the road on the immigration issue. And here in
Fort Collins we inherit the results of that inaction. We have many immigrant families that
support our Fort Collins economy. They may have brought children with them when they
came. If someone from such a family is deported, Fort Collins suffers the consequences.
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. Everyone, no matter
who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just manner, by
having someone who can advocate for their interests.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Keith Ela
keithela@gmail.com
3008 Eagle Dr
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526-2814
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Fund to provide legal representation
Date:Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:23:37 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Colleen Fullbright <colleenfcco@msn.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:15 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fund to provide legal representation
Dear Members of City Council,
Many years ago, I was part of a group who provided transportation to migrant farmworker families. I
remember taking the patriarch of one family to a much-needed doctor’s appointment, and later his
freshman-in-high-school son to an Urgent Care for a spider bite. With other families, there were
trips to the Social Security office, a ride to the store, trips to Denver for a child who needed
specialized care.
They loved their families, and they worked harder and longer than anyone else I’d ever known. The
workers were grateful for our help. I regarded it as a small way to show appreciation for all they had
contributed to the community—through their work and their worship and their day-to-day lives in
Fort Collins and the surrounding areas. They were members of my community, and I regarded them
as neighbors. My heart hurt for them when people of prejudice portrayed them as “less than” those
of us who were born in this country. They were often subjected to cruelty and exploitation. And they
were voiceless.
I have a glimmer of hope that things are changing, and that Fort Collins can follow the lead of other
cities to support and protect our immigrant neighbors. Immigrant families face well-known hardships
that are difficult to fathom. Legal proceedings are hard to navigate, with complex circumstances, and
they are compounded by a lack of rights to due process. A fund to provide legal representation to
those among us—who do not have the right to due process—is the right and just and moral thing to
do. It would provide help to asylum seekers, children, breadwinners who have been detained. Our
neighbors. They deserve this very basic right and I ask you to please vote in favor of this fund.
Thank you!
Colleen Fullbright
Fort Collins
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Muni Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:37:15 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: T 1sch <timwunsch54@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 8:00 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Muni Immigration Legal Fund
I am a Fort Collins citizen and voter and I oppose the Municipal Immigration Legal Fund you
are voting on. I urge you to do the same.
Please do not use my tax dollars to help illegal aliens avoid deportation. They do not have a
right to enter the country illegally and be eligible for welfare aid.
And they compete for jobs with the least fortunate residents. Too many are still unemployed
from the lock down because of the pandemic."
It's just wrong!
Please represent your local citizens and not intruders.
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Ordinance No. 064, 2021
Date:Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:38:14 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Gary Otto <garyotto@comcast.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 7:47 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ordinance No. 064, 2021
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing today to voice my opinion AGAINST Ordinance No. 064, 2021.
This ordinance is ill conceived and rewards criminal behavior. Passing of this ordinance will
lead to increased homelessness, more crime and discriminates against legal, law abiding
citizens.
Please vote NO on this ordinance.
Sincerely,
Gary Otto
2007 Mackenzie Ct
Fort Collins, CO 80528
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy S10+ smartphone
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
Date:Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:38:24 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Robert McIntosh <mctrout45@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 7:23 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Municipal Immigration Legal Fund
ABSOLUTELY NO!!!!!!!!
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
Date:Tuesday, April 20, 2021 1:05:52 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Katheryn Chen <katheryn333@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 12:23 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
Dear Council,
I want to thank you for your support of a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund that would allow
immigrants in our city access to legal representation. This is an essential service that offers some
chance for those who must navigate a complex immigration system.
By facilitating this access, we have the opportunity to show our commitment to just legal
practices, help keep families together, and affirm our support for all members of this
community.
Thank you again for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents.
Sincerely,
Katheryn Chen
(Fort Collins resident, 80526)
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Date:Tuesday, April 20, 2021 1:03:41 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Rebecca Reymann <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 12:43 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Thank You for Supporting Immigrant Legal Defense
Fort Collins City Leaders,
Dear Council members,
I am writing to thank you for your support of creating a Fort Collins Legal Defense Fund
during the study session on March 23rd.
A Fort Collins immigrant legal defense fund would allow immigrants in our city to have
access to legal representation, increasing their chances to successfully navigate the
complex federal immigration system. Having access to a lawyer means families can stay
together and ensures Fort Collins residents are guaranteed due process.
Immigration proceedings are incredibly complex and difficult to navigate on your own and
are the only legal proceeding in the country where someone is detained without the
guarantee to a lawyer, even if they are a child or an asylum seeker. As a result, the vast
majority of immigrants facing deportation and detention go before a judge alone. Everyone,
no matter who they are, should have the opportunity to present their case in a fair and just
manner, by having someone who can advocate for their interests.
If properly funded, the legal defense fund could also Keep families together through
deportation defense, support unaccompanied children in our school district through Special
Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) proceedings,
support affirmative cases like DACA applications, and for those who have temporary
documentation to apply for residency, work permits, or ultimately, citizenship.
Thank you for taking this important step to support Fort Collins residents with the legal
resources they need!
Sincerely,
Becca
Rebecca Reymann
rebrey13@gmail.com
400 Alpert avenue
Fort collins, Colorado 80525
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Illegal Immigrants Legal Fees
Date:Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:28:59 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Denise Clynes <ocdc53@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 7:53 PM
To: Kacee Scheidenhelm <kscheidenhelm@fcgov.com>; City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Illegal Immigrants Legal Fees
At this point...our roads are in need of repair, all our sidewalks need repair in order to be safe during
Winter, traffic planning needs to be #1 priority, city needs money($2.5 million now) to clean, repair
and remove limbs from our blizzard last month, FCPD and PVFire, county fire needs help AND we are
in a drought...FC should not build ANY MORE, SQUISHED together housing...we do not and will not
have enough water. This is EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED IN CA! They kept building with NO REGARD
to where the water would come from. And finally, we have to start paying 12 cents per grocery bags
now. And with all these concerns you want to have the city subsidize legal fees for ILLEGAL
immigrants?????? They are BREAKING OUR LAWS! They pay no attention to our COVID
precautions....THAT costs us additional funds and PUTS THE ENTIRE STATE POPULATION IN DANGER!
We have to stay locked up and go by the rules and regulations but we take anyone in and they cost
us more money and do NOT follow our rules and laws!
So put me down as being against funding ANYTHING FOR ANYONE WHO DOES NOT FOLLOW OUR
RULES AND LAWS AND NO MORE HOUSING UNLESS YOU HAVE OVER 35 acres and can drill your own
well.
No I am NOT a bigot or racist, I have just lived through all this in CA and saw the total and almost
complete destruction of a once GREAT state!
Thank you.
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Fund
Date:Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:46:36 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
-----Original Message-----
From: Susan Taylor <taisusan@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:40 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Immigration Fund
To our city council members,
Please continue working on the Legal Defense Fund to assist our immigrant neighbors in Fort Collins. This is such
a significant initiative, I totally support the effort.
Yours truly,
Susan Taylor
2608 Kansas Drive, G-145
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Sent from my iPhone
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: Legal Defense Fund
Date:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 10:31:01 AM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: NANCY BURNS <nancyburns0533@msn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2021 8:22 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Legal Defense Fund
City Leaders,
A proposal for a legal defense fund for immigrants was recently made to the Fort Collins City
Council. the fund would assist cases like DACA, unaccompanied minors, and people under
threat of detention who are in our city.
If passed this fund will cover 140 cases, keep families together, support unaccompanied
children in our school district, and support DACA applications. Immigrants have always added
many positive benefits to the Fort Collins community. Let's help those who need it with the
legal support this proposal supplies.
Thank you,
Nancy Burns
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Establishment of a Municipal Immigrations Legal Defense fund No 64 , 2021
Date:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 2:08:19 PM
Attachments:image001.png
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: Lorna Reeves <lorna@frii.com>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 8:55 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Establishment of a Municipal Immigrations Legal Defense fund No 64 , 2021
Mayor, City Manager, and City Council Members,
I applaud the decision of the above mentioned item being withdrawn from consideration at
tomorrows city council meeting.
City council members who lobbied and have brought forth this ordinance appears to be a clear
display of a conflict of interest. As a tax paying citizen of Fort Collins, I am adamantly opposed. I
don’t pay taxes to go to defense funds period, for anyone!
Warm Regards,
Lorna R Reeves, Principal
2630 Newgate Ct.
Fort Collins, CO. 80525
P: 970.691.0170 | F: 970.225.1758
LRR, LLC
“Leaders Reaching Results”
What you do today can improve all your tomorrows- Ralph Marston
The American flag is the symbol of our freedom, national pride and
history.-Mike Fitzpatrick
-
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] I support the legal defense fund
Date:Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:29:31 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
-----Original Message-----
From: Colleen Silan <colleen@silanmercer.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 6:14 PM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] I support the legal defense fund
Hi
Just wanted to let you know that I think it’s important to support immigrants in our community.
Thanks,
Colleen Silan
Fort Collins
From:Delynn Coldiron
To:JC Ward; Leo Escalante
Subject:FW: [EXTERNAL] Expenditure of City Funds on legal defense of Illegal Immigrants
Date:Monday, April 19, 2021 12:00:54 PM
Thanks,
Delynn
"Tell us about our service, we want to know!"
From: James Tilmant <jimtilmant@comcast.net>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 11:53 AM
To: City Leaders <CityLeaders@fcgov.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Expenditure of City Funds on legal defense of Illegal Immigrants
4/19/2021
Dear City Leaders,
PLEASE DO NOT SPEND OUR VERY HARD-EARNED TAX DOLLARS ON DEFENDING PEOPLE WHO HAVE
ENTERED OUR COUNTRY ILLEGALLY AND ARE CONTINUING TO LIVE HERE ILLEGALLY!
THIS INCLUDES GIVING THE FUNDING TO AN NGO WHO WILL USE THE FUNDS TO DO THIS!
I cannot even believe that I am having to write to my City Council and officials with such a request.
The fact that you are even considering this is outrageous. What a bonehead idea! Are you going to
provide legal assistance to actual citizens who have broken other Federal laws? How about IRS
laws? Or, are you only going to help those who have broken laws YOU do not agree with? How
utterly outrageous!! What authority do you have to do this? Where in the City approved budget has
such an expenditure of funds been authorized or approved? (Please respond to these questions)
My wife and I have worked very hard to earn the money that we have had to give to the City to
provide the services it’s LEGAL citizen's need. We expect the City leaders to spend those funds in an
honest, conservative, and appropriate way. WE DO NOT EXPECT OUR CITY LEADERS TO SPEND
THESE DOLLARS ON DEFENDING ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE NOT LEGAL CITIZENS
OF OUR CITY, OUR COUNTY, OUR STATE, OR EVEN OUR COUNTRY!!
WE DO NOT EXPECT OUR CITY LEADERS TO SPEND OUR TAX DOLLARS DEFENDING ANYONE (LEGAL
CITIZEN OR NOT) WHO HAS BROKEN THE LAWS OF OUR CITY, STATE, OR COUNTRY! WE STRONGLY
OBJECT TO SUCH USE OF FUNDS.
Thank you,
Jim Tilmant
5703 Pebble Beach Court
Fort Collins, CO 80525
DATE: April 14, 2021
TO: Mayor Wade Troxell
City Councilmembers
City Manager Darin Atteberry
CC: Sarah Kane
Dawn Kennedy
Carol Thomas
FROM: The Human Relations Commission
RE: Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund
During our April 8th meeting, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) received a compelling
presentation from Patricia Miller, Alianza NORCO, and Claudia Perez, La Cocina, regarding the
proposed Fort Collins Immigration Legal Defense Fund. The HRC fully supports the creation of
this Fund to support the City’s Strategic Plan; specifically, that “equity and inclusion are
frameworks to accomplish the City’s goals of sustaining an environment where residents and
visitors feel welcome, safe, and valued in the community.”
An Immigration Legal Defense Fund will help our City’s immigrant adults and children move
closer to:
•Legal equity and due process
•Economic equity
•Health and safety equity
With 11,000 immigrant residents in Fort Collins, we believe that the City’s return on investment
in creating an Immigration Legal Defense Fund will be significant. Providing quality low
cost/pro bono legal services to assist immigrants with cases related to detention and deportation,
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, DACA, Lawful Permanent Residency, Temporary Protected
Status, and naturalization to become a US citizen will build the social and economic health of the
immigrant community and, in turn, our entire community. Absent this Fund, our immigrant
community will continue to be at risk for higher levels of physical and mental health issues,
economic and housing instability and, in addition, will lack the belief that they are safe and
belong to our community.
ATTACHMENT 4
The HRC requests our City leaders to allocate the required funds to establish an Immigration
Legal Defense Fund. We believe our immigrant community must have access to quality,
affordable legal services to demonstrate to Fort Collins residents that equity and inclusion are at
the heart of what makes Fort Collins a healthy, safe and welcoming community for all.
Thank you for your consideration.
ATTACHMENT E
1
Caryn Champine, JC Ward, & Leo Escalante
Municipal
Immigration Legal
Fund
ATTACHMENT 6
Council Direction
2
1.What feedback does City Council have regarding the research and
unmet needs assessment for immigration legal services in Fort
Collins?
2.What next step would Council like staff to pursue regarding an 18-
month or 12-month pilot municipal immigration legal fund program
for Fort Collins residents?
Work Session Overview
3
1.Strategic Alignment
2.Equity Challenges related to Immigration Status
3.Current Conditions in Fort Collins
4.Colorado State Immigration Legal Fund House Bill
5.Fort Collins Immigration Legal Fund Pilot Program Design & Funding
Examples
Strategic Alignment
4
Strategic Outcomes 2020 Legislative
Policy Agenda
City Council
Resolution 2019-100
Social Sustainability
Strategic Plan (2016)
Neighborhood Livability &
Social Health 1.4
Economic Health 3.2
Safe Communities 5.1
High Performing
Government 7.3
Immigration and National
Border Conditions
The Immigration Crisis at
the Southern Border of the
United States and its Impact
on the Fort Collins
Community
Equity and Inclusion Theme
B1.2.b
Equity Challenges
5
LEGAL EQUITY
•Immigrants are 10.5 times more likely to be able to remain in
the U.S. when they have legal representation
ECONOMIC EQUITY
•Immigrants in our Congressional District contribute:
•$172.4 million in state and local taxes
•More than $406 million in federal taxes
HEALT H & SAFETY EQUITY
•Undocumented immigrants typically have extremely limited access
to care
Current Conditions in Fort Collins
Colorado
§In 2019, 65%of 8500 immigration deportation cases did
not have legal representation
§In 2020, 61%of 2,154 children in deportation cases did
not have access to legal representation
6
Fort Collins
§Immigrant community of more than 11,000 or 6.8% of total
population
§Approximately,4,500 Fort Collins community members are
currently not United States Citizens
§Approximately, 2,200 are eligible for naturalization
§Approximately, 2,300 are currently at risk for detention and
deportation
Immigrants
are 10.5 times
more likely to
be able to
remain in the
U.S. when
they have
legal
representation
Current Conditions in Fort Collins
7
DEMOGRAPHICS -CHILDREN
•15%of children in Fort Collins live with at least one immigrant parent
and 75%of these children are themselves U.S. citizens
•In Poudre School District, there are 54 students who arrived as
unaccompanied minors seeking asylum due to threat of death or
imminent harm
•Children in immigration proceedings have no right to legal counsel,
Guardian ad Litem evaluation, or adult supervision during hearings
8
Colorado HB21-11 94 proposes the establishment of a statewide Immigration Legal
Defense Fund
•Introduced to the Colorado House of Representatives 3/4/21, assigned to the
Judiciary Committee, which referred it to the Appropriations Committee on 3/30/21
•Initial $100,00 appropriation of the Colorado General Fund
•Funding appropriation amount limited by TABOR Amendment & does not reflect
the total current unmet need in Colorado
•Limited to “indigent” legal services & clients must be low-income to qualify
Colorado Immigration
Legal Defense Fund
9
•Fort Collins Residency Requirement
•Direct legal representation for the lifecycle of immigration
cases
•Support for legal pathways to citizenship or lawful presence
•Legal Advice and Consultations through legal clinics and
Know Yo ur Rights trainings
•Education and outreach
•Program coordinator based in a local
nongovernmental organization
Proposals will request the following service delivery:
Pilot Program Service Delivery
Fort Collins Market Rates & Anticipated Need
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Case Type Pro Bono Legal
Costs/Case in Fort
Collins market
Unmet Need in Fort
Collins*
Detention/Deportation $6,000/case 75-100 cases/year
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)$4,000/case 100 cases/year
“Affirmative Cases”-Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals (DACA),Lawful Permanent
Resident (LPR),or Naturalization
$1,000/case 400 cases/year
*Unmet need in Fort Collins is estimated for 2021 and may be higher due to reluctance of immigrant
community members to identify themselves and their need for services for use by a governmental
entity in this analysis.
11
18-month Pilot Grant Program Funding Examples
Example Program
Administration
Detention-
Deportation
$6,000/case
SIJS
$4,000/case
Af firmative
Cases
$1,000/case
Funding Range
A-18 $90,000 25-30 20-40 100-150 $400,000-
550,000
B-18 $90,000 20-25 5-20 20-100 $250,000-
400,000
C-18 $90,000 15-20 0-5 0-20 $180,000-
250,000
12
12-month Pilot Grant Program Funding Examples
Example Program
Administration
Detention-
Deportation
$6,000/case
SIJS
$4,000/case
Af firmative
Cases
$1,000/case
Funding Range
A-12 $60,000 15-20 15-25 40-100 $250,000-
380,000
B-12 $60,000 12-15 5-15 25-40 $150,000-
250,000
C-12 $60,000 10-12 0-5 0-25 $120,000-
150,000
Program Metrics
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•Nº of people receiving free legal advice or training
•Nºof people receiving direct representation
(adults/children, case type, &
breadwinner/caregiver status)
•Nºof cases resolved due to representation
•Nºof people released on bond during the program
•Nºof referrals to the program by other
participants
•Pct. of participants who feel they are safer due
to the program
•Pct.of participants who are more knowledgeable
about their pathways to citizenship or lawful
presence after the program
•Pct.of participants reporting greater likelihood of
accessing City or community resources due to the
program
Metrics
Pilot Start Up Timeline
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Contracting
(City Staff & Grant Recipients)
Tw o Weeks
Application, Review, &
Selection
(City Staff)
One Month
Begin Administrative Services
(Grant Recipients)
Tw o Weeks
Begin Legal Services
(Grant Recipients with Existing
Legal Providers)
Tw o Months
Begin All Legal Services
(Grant Recipients)
Four Months
Council Direction
1.What feedback does City Council have regarding the research and
unmet needs assessment for immigration legal services in Fort
Collins?
2.What next step would Council like staff to pursue regarding an 18-
month or 12-month pilot municipal immigration legal fund program
for Fort Collins residents?
Peer City Models
16
PROGRAM DESIGN
•Public-nonprofit Partnerships
o 39 of 42 municipal immigration legal funds
•Public Defender’s Office Units
o Established units inside Public Defender’s Office
•City/County Employee Coordinator
o Dane County, Wisconsin created municipal staff position
•Student Law Office Clinics and Fellows
o Dane County funds a portion of the student law office
immigration clinic at the University of Wisconsin
Peer City Models
17
City/County Annual Funding # Cases/Year Funding Source
Baltimore, MD $200,000 26 cases City Funds
Hennepin County, MN $275,000 75 cases County Funds
Dane County, WI $250,000 75 cases County & Grant Funds
Harris County, TX $250,000 75 cases County & Grant Funds
Columbus, OH $159,000 68 cases City, Grant, & Nonprofit
Funds
Denver, CO $525,000 Estimated 100 cases City, County, & Nonprofit
Funds
Sonoma County, CA $550,000 193 cases City, County, & Nonprofit
Funds