The Rhode Island Immigrant Rights Initiative (RIIRI) exists to fill a gap in access to free legal services for Rhode Islanders. 56% of people in ICE custody do not have lawyers. Private lawyers are very expensive - sometimes up to $12,000 or more.
RIIRI creates access to legal services here in RI for anyone facing a deportation who cannot afford legal representation.
Having a lawyer will increase someone’s chance at remaining in the U.S., getting released and overcoming the threat of a deportation. RIIRI is here for Rhode Islanders who need that chance.
Ann Elise McCaffrey, Esq. is the director of RIIRI. Elise graduated from the City University of New York in 2012. She has practiced immigration law since 2013. Elise’s legal practice has focused on removal defense for individuals in and out of detention, complex criminal immigration matters, citizenship, and securing release from detention through habeas corpus petitions. Elise speaks Spanish.
Sandra Escobar is a Colombian Community Development Professional and Social Worker from the University of Quindío, an Attorney from La Gran Colombia University, and holds a Master’s degree in Political Studies from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. She has extensive experience in social inclusion, human rights, rights restoration, university teaching, public policy, land use planning, civic participation, and services for vulnerable populations.