By Jim Jones

A group of Boise attorneys is forming a program to provide free legal help to low-income refugees. Volunteer lawyers will supplement on-going efforts of local law-related organizations to serve the legal needs of the Treasure Valley refugee community. The pro bono lawyers will work closely with the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program, Idaho Legal Aid, Intermountain Fair Housing and Concordia Law School to provide hands-on legal services to refugees who meet established income guidelines.

The program will not diminish legal help for non-refugees. Rather, additional lawyers are being recruited to assist refugees with their legal problems.

Additionally, the program will address issues unique to the refugee community. Volunteers will conduct informational presentations for refugees on our legal system and how to acclimate to it. The program is called The New Beginning Law Academy, recognizing that the Treasure Valley community welcomes refugees and is offering legal assistance as part of their American beginning. Subjects will include family law, employment issues, consumer rights, immigration issues, and the workings of the criminal justice system. Many refugees come from countries where people avoid the police out of fear of their safety. The Boise Police Department has a good working relationship with the refugee community and the program’s lawyers will assist from the legal standpoint.

The pro bono program will work closely with Jannus, Inc., which operates the Idaho Office for Refugees and a variety of other programs providing social services to the refugee community. Lawyer volunteers will provide a legal component to the outstanding work presently being performed by Jannus.

One other goal of the program is to openly discuss refugee issues and the need support refugee settlement in the community. Idaho has a moral responsibility to welcome refugees into our good-hearted community.  

Refugees in Idaho are settled primarily in Boise and Twin Falls. The five-year refugee population in Idaho from FY 2012 to FY 2016 was 4,350, with 3,080 in Boise and 1,270 in Twin Falls. In FY 2016, 1,121 refugees arrived in the State. Of those, 56% came from African countries, 32% were from Near Eastern and South Asian countries (including Bhutan, Iran, Pakistan, Syria and Iraq), and the remainder came from Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

While the refugees in the community are from many different countries, those coming from Middle Eastern countries have been the subject of discussion in recent months. Concerns being raised about those folks are completely unfounded. If people would take the time to get to know our refugee community, it would become clear that they just want what we all do—to live and raise their families in a safe environment.

There is another reason the U.S. must provide safe harbor for refugees from the Middle East. The invasion of Iraq set off a chain of events that produced the greatest refugee crisis in recent history. Since the United States was a large contributor to the refugee crisis in the Middle East, our country can’t simply turn its back on these unfortunate people. We have an ethical obligation to provide safe harbor for some of the people we helped to misplace. Many of these refugees have been subjected to unspeakable horrors and we should step forward to give them refuge.

The chance of a refugee being a disguised terrorist is virtually nonexistent. If a terrorist wanted to get into this country, he could do it quicker and with much less vetting by getting a tourist or student visa, like the 911 hijackers did.  Sitting around a hot and dusty refugee camp in the Middle East for years and hoping to be referred to the U.S. refugee program for additional screening for another couple of years would not make much sense. The U.S. subjects refugees from all countries to very careful screening, which has effectively eliminated any threat to our communities.

The pro bono group is getting organized in the Treasure Valley and will continue to recruit more attorney volunteers for that area.  Organizers have been in contact with attorneys in the Magic Valley and plan to set up a similar program in Twin Falls soon.

By Jim Jones

Whether dealing with an abhorrent event precipitated by neo-Nazis in Charlottesville or just an everyday spouting-off of hatred by white supremacists, responsible public officials should stand up for decency. Congressman Raul Labrador says it is “not his style” to comment on events such as that which occurred in Charlottesville over the weekend. Standing mute against hateful speech and actions does not work. Idaho history demonstrates that the way to stop white supremacy is for people in positions of power to strongly and publicly denounce it.

Back in the early 1980s, the Aryan Nations organization in northern Idaho was on the rise. It attracted other white supremacists to Idaho, many of whom had cut their teeth in prison. Many good people in the area stepped forward to speak against them but it was a formidable task. I had just taken over as Attorney General and was asked by Marilyn Shuler to help with malicious harassment legislation that was designed to combat the supremacist threat. The legislation had hit a roadblock in the Legislature, which we were able to overcome. Marilyn, who was a powerful Idaho voice for human rights, brought me into the effort to deflate the supremacist cause.

I participated in a number of rallies to speak out against the supremacist group and its hateful creed but noticed something interesting about the meetings. Kootenai County undersheriff Larry Broadbent and I observed that we were the only identifiable Republican officials at the rallies. It appeared that many were holding back to see where the tree might fall.

As time went by, the public became aroused by the Aryans’ message of hate, but also about the black eye they were giving to the State of Idaho. Responsible Republican officials started stepping forward to denounce the hate mongers and that was the key to the group’s eventual demise—it took an all-hands-on-deck approach. People take note of what their leaders say and it is incumbent upon those leaders to help provide a moral compass.

Idaho leaders were generally quick this time in calling out the neo-Nazis, KKK, and other white nationalists. Governor Otter, Congressman Mike Simpson, and Senator Mike Crapo spoke out strongly and were soon joined by Senator Jim Risch. Congressman Labrador held back until goaded by the Governor because, as he explained, his style was not to speak out on these “issues” since he regarded the Charlottesville events as “politics.” White supremacy is not an issue or politics. It is indecency and it requires denunciation by society in order to deprive it of any hint of legitimacy.

The Congressman is correct that “trite media statements” will not solve our country’s problems. But, powerful, heart-felt condemnation of hatred, bigotry, and racism by people in leadership positions in our fine State can make a difference, as history shows. This is especially so for anyone who aspires to be governor, the most important position in State government. And, the condemnation should specify the hate groups being called out, such as the KKK, neo-Nazis, and other white supremacists and nationalists. We should expect or accept no less from those who would lead the State. If a candidate does not already have such a “style,” he or she should certainly adopt a public anti-supremacy posture.

By Jim Jones

Ever since World War II, the United States of America has been the champion of democracy and human rights throughout the globe. We have stood up to dictatorial governments and demanded that their citizens be allowed to live free of fear and oppression. Presidents of both parties have pursued that policy. It has been the cornerstone of our national security and has made our country the envy of other nations. Our country has decidedly strayed from that policy in recent months, heartening autocratic nations and causing concern amongst our steadfast allies.

As the world rose from the ashes of World War II, the U.S. embarked on a policy of building alliances with European and Asian nations to counter the Communist countries. We formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization(SEATO) as bulwarks against the totalitarian countries. Although SEATO eventually withered away, we have maintained strong bonds with democracies in Asia, which act as a mainstay of our national defense in that part of the world. In Europe, we have based our security on democracies that are united through NATO and the European Union. The policy has served America well.

We have supported and encouraged democracy throughout the world, believing that democratic nations are less likely to resort to force of arms to resolve disputes. We have   believed that autocratic governments which deny their citizens basic human rights can produce violence, either against the people or by the people. In order to promote human rights, the U.S. State Department annually scores nations on their human rights record. We have engrafted advancement of human rights into our foreign policy.

President Trump has taken another direction in dealing with democracies and autocrats. Although Russia gobbled up Crimea, has maintained a thinly veiled proxy war in Ukraine, and launched a serious attack on our election process, he has declined to utter a harsh word about Vladimir Putin. Former FBI Director Comey says Russian hackers have attempted to hack into hundreds of governmental and business networks to find exploitable weaknesses. Our allies around the world have had similar experiences and they must be mystified by the President’s silence. Rather, they have seen the Russian videos of the President yukking it up with the Russian foreign minister and ambassador in the White House. Then, he publicly criticized our European friends and pointedly refused to recommit to the mutual defense article of the NATO Treaty, something that had to seriously disturb our friends, but greatly please Mr. Putin.

During the President’s trip to Saudi Arabia, he informed the Saudis and other Middle East despots that they need not worry about the U.S. pestering them about providing basic human rights for their subjects. As long as they do business with America and buy our “beautiful weapons,” all will be good. The Saudis will be able to continue indiscriminate bombing in Yemen without our interference, despite the fact that this will fuel even more rage amongst the civilian population there and elsewhere against the U.S.

President Erdogen of Turkey has been warmly received by the President even as Erdogen expands his powers and tramples on the rights of his citizens. Same with President Sisi of Egypt. President Duterte of the Philippines is graciously treated despite his overseeing of 7,000, and counting, extra-judicial killings. These leaders all show up on the rogues gallery of the State Department’s human rights score sheets but we apparently no longer expect nations to treat their populations humanely in order to gain our favor. That encourages the despots and greatly diminishes America’s standing in the world, as well as our nation’s security.

The Equal Justice Committee was formed in June of 2017 to encourage Boise-area lawyers to provide free legal help to low-income refugees and to advocate on behalf of all refugees.  The goals we had are spelled out in an opinion column that appears here under the Advocacy tab—“Free legal help is on the way for Idaho refugees.”  Our plan was to recruit lawyers to represent refugees in individual cases, to conduct information sessions on legal issues common in the refugee community, and to speak out publicly on behalf of refugees.  

It was not intended that the new organization would handle legal representation for refugees on its own.  Rather, the intention was to refer refugees to existing organizations that provide free legal help and to get more lawyers to work with those organizations.  The Idaho Volunteer Lawyer Program, which is operated by the Idaho State Bar Association, provides free legal help to individuals who meet its income guidelines.  The Committee has encouraged more than 100 lawyers to volunteer to handle refugee cases.  Idaho Legal Aid also provides free legal help to low-income individuals, including refugees.  The Intermountain Fair Housing Council provides free legal assistance to individuals who are discriminated against in housing, regardless of their income.  Concordia Law School has a very active pro bono program and can be another source of help.

The Committee has prepared a Sources of Legal Assistance document under the Where To Go for Legal Help tab, showing the names and contact information for agencies that can assist with legal problems.  If people have difficulty in getting in contact with those agencies, they can leave a message on this website.  

The second goal of the Committee is to conduct information sessions to help refugees understand the requirements of the law, to learn what their rights are, and where to go for legal help.  Some of the subjects that will be covered in information sessions are described under the Information Programs tab.  

The third objective of the Committee is to advocate on behalf of refugees in the wider community.  Some of the issues addressed already are included under the Advocating For Immigrants and Refugees tab.  We intend to get other people in the community to speak out in favor of refugees and other immigrants.  

At a meeting held on January 5, 2018, with leaders of refugee and immigrant groups around the Treasure Valley, it was decided that the Committee would broaden its reach to include all immigrants within its programs.  In order to reach a broad group of people needing legal guidance, the Committee’s information programs will be conducted for the most part in monthly sessions with immigrant group leaders.  The Committee will meet on the last Friday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at a location to be announced at the previous meeting to explore issues in a particular area of law, such as immigration, family law, employment issues, or the other issues under the Information Programs tab.  The monthly sessions will be videoed so that group leaders can have them translated and made available to their various groups.

In addition, the Committee will entertain requests for information sessions to be held for groups at locations convenient to them in the community.  That will allow tailored messages on particular legal issues to be delivered where they can do the most help – at churches or mosques, at scheduled gatherings, and so on.

It is the intent of the Committee to remind the community that all people in America are immigrants, although it should be noted that the Native Americans immigrated to this country thousands of years before everyone else.  Immigration is what has made the United States a powerful nation and a good nation.  From time to time, America’s principles have been tested by people who incite fear against refugees but America always comes through and returns to its immigrant roots.  The county is now being tested again but good will prevail.  We all need to be a part of making that happen.

1. The rule of law, including how our legal system works, how the law impacts refugees in their daily lives, and where to seek help for legal problems.  
2. Criminal law issues identified as being of concern to refugees, including juvenile laws, traffic laws, domestic violence, drugs and alcohol, theft, court procedures including failure to appear, and reporting of crimes.
3. Immigration issues, including compliance with immigration laws, status of non-refugee family members, trafficking as related to family members, and crimes that can cause deportation for immigrants and refugees.
4. Housing issues, including fair and affordable housing options, government programs, leases, repairs, landlord-tenant relations, and sources of redress.
5. Family law issues, including marriage and divorce, child custody, child support, parental responsibilities, and abuse and neglect.
6. History and purpose of assistance programs, fraud and due process rights regarding assistance programs, and an overview of the major assistance programs available in Ada County.
7. Employment issues, including discrimination, harassment, OSHA, worker’s compensation, employment-related taxes, and overtime pay.
8. Banking and money issues, including payday loans, credit transactions, consumer rights and responsibilities, travel loans, and scams.
9. Malicious harassment, including how to deal with threats and hate speech and where to go for help and protection.
10. Setting up a business, including accounting, taxes, financing, insurance, and   resources available for assistance.
11. Education and public school issues.