National Qualified Representative Program
Free Legal Representation for Immigrants with Severe Mental Disabilities
ImmDef’s National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP) provides government-funded, court-appointed immigration legal representation for detained immigrants with serious mental disabilities who are held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. The clients in this program are legally entitled to appointed counsel because their mental health conditions prevent them from understanding or navigating the complex immigration court process on their own.
This groundbreaking model of appointed immigration counsel for detained noncitizens with mental disabilities is possible because of the landmark class action lawsuit Franco-Gonzalez v. Holder. The Franco settlement marked the first time a U.S. federal court recognized the right to government-funded legal representation for a specific group of immigrants in detention, establishing critical legal protections for vulnerable immigrants with mental health disabilities facing deportation.
Immigration Detention and Mental Health
Adults with mental health issues are among the most vulnerable immigrants because they often cannot understand, let alone defend themselves in, their deportation hearings. Many individuals have been subjected to abuse and torture in their home countries because of their mental disabilities.
Detention can worsen existing mental health conditions and create significant barriers to accessing legal information and services. Adults with serious mental health conditions are among the most vulnerable individuals in the U.S. immigration enforcement system. Many cannot understand the charges against them, the consequences of deportation, or the legal steps required to defend themselves in immigration court. Without appointed counsel, they would face deportation proceedings entirely alone.
Many NQRP clients are:
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Asylum Seekers
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Refugees
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Long‑time residents with deep community ties
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Individuals who have survived persecution, abuse, or torture
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People whose disabilities make self‑representation impossible
Muchos clientes de NQRP son:
Many NQRP clients are:
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Asylum Seekers
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Refugees
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Long‑time residents with deep community ties
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Individuals who have survived persecution, abuse, or torture
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People whose disabilities make self‑representation impossible
Experts in
Intersectional Law
Due to the complex legal issues which often come up in the representation of people with mental health issues, it is notable that ImmDef has on staff practitioners with significant expertise in the cross-section between immigration, criminal law, mental health, policy and appellate practice, and case management. We provide zealous representation of our clients throughout each stage of their case, including representing them on appeal Lopez-Marroquin v. Garland (9th Cir. Aug 18, 2021).
Holistic Representation During and After Detention
ImmDef’s NQRP team represents clients held in remote ICE detention centers across the United States, ensuring that even those detained far from family or community support receive high‑quality legal advocacy.
Our representation includes:
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Defending clients in immigration court
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Identifying and pursuing immigration relief
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Advocating for release from ICE detention
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coordinating with mental health professionals, caregivers, and family members
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Ensuring clients understand their rights and the legal process
Importantly, our work does not end when a client is released. We continue representing individuals after they return to their communities, helping them:
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Navigate ongoing immigration court proceedings
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Access community‑based mental health services
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Connect with social support networks
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Stabilize their lives after detention
This continuity of care is essential for clients whose disabilities make the immigration process especially overwhelming.