In this video immigration attorney Ray Ybarra Maldonado explains President Trump’s proclamation on November 9, 2018 which seeks to limit asylum for those crossing the U.S.-Mexico Border. Ybarra Maldonado gives an overview of the recent change as well as explaining the difference between someone benefiting from asylum, withholding of removal or the convention against torture.

President Trump has for 90 days cancelled asylum to anyone who enters at a place other than a designated port of entry. Asylum remains open for anyone who presents themselves at a designated port of entry, however the administration is not allowing in all who approach the port of entry to apply for asylum.

Abogado Ray Ybarra Maldonado discusses Trump’s latest move to end DACA by filing a cert to the United States Supreme Court. To see full video click here. On November 5, 2018, one day prior to the midterm elections, President Trump’s Department of Justice filed cert to the United States Supreme Court asking them to address the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program.  Immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border remain a hot topic for President Trump as he continues to stir the anger of his base.

“President Trump is using Dreamers as a pawn in his attempt to stop the midterm losses his party his likely to see in tomorrow’s election,” said Attorney Ray Ybarra Maldonado. “The attempt to file cert to get the cases heard next year is simply a political move to rile up his base to go out and vote against immigration.”

The DACA program was implemented by the Obama administration and allows select individuals who were brought to the country prior to age 16 to apply for a work permit after passing a government background check.  These individuals voluntarily came forward and provided their information to the government with an expectation of a work permit and a promise not to be deported. Trump refuses to wait for the cases to make their way through the judicial process and instead wants to jump ahead of the line. It’s ironic that the far right critiques immigrants for not waiting in lines while the Trump administration refuses to allow due process to run its course.

The video also contains information about how to contact the federal government to voice opposition against changing regulations that would allow for the extended detention of children as well as the detention facilities not being licensed and regulated by state agencies.

To stay updated on the latest news on immigration please follow us on Facebook.

The Ybarra Maldonado Law Group was recently selected as one of the fastest growing law firms in the United States by Law Firm 500.  Attorney Ray Ybarra Maldonado and CEO Dr. Angeles J. Maldonado attended the award ceremony held on October 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The awards ceremony featured legendary activist Erin Brockovich. Ms. Brokovich was played by Julia Roberts in the hit movie aptly titled, Erin Brockovich.

The Ybarra Maldonado Law Group came in ranked as number 88 in the country, and was the highest ranked firm from the State of Arizona.  The firm began with an emphasis on criminal and immigration cases for the Spanish speaking community and has since expanded to the area of personal injury law as well.

“If someone would have told me someday that I would have a law firm that would be selected as one of the fastest growing law firms in the country, and get to attend an awards ceremony in Las Vegas that featured Erin Brockovich, I never would have believed them,” said Ybarra Maldonado.  “This accomplishment 100% goes to the community that has continued to support us since day one and our hard working team members who work everyday to meet the needs of those we are fortunate enough to serve.”

The Ybarra Maldonado Law Group has garnered a reputation as “The People’s Law Firm” for the incredible amount of pro bono work giving back to the immigrants’ rights and social justice community in Arizona. Dr. Maldonado, who also teaches courses on Human Rights at Arizona Universities, credits the firms success to, “staying committed to the communities we serve and ensuring our clients are treated like our own families with integrity, dignity, and respect.”

Throughout the years Abogado Ray has received an award for being a Top Latino Lawyer, been awarded as one of America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, a 10 best award from the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, one of the nation’s top 1% of all attorneys all while focusing on building a law firm that the community can be proud of.  They offer free consultations on criminal, immigration, and personal injury cases and can be reached at 602-910-4040.

Abogado Ray takes a moment to break down the Administrations lack of follow through with Judge’s orders to reunite the children under the age of 5 years old with their parents!

Take a look at the video below for a better explanation on the Joint Status Report Regarding Reunification!

Click on the link below for the Joint Status Report!

JOINT STATUS REPORT REGARDING REUNIFICATION

 

There is a higher law than the law of government. That’s the law of conscience. Stokely Carmichael

Over the last few weeks, the Trump administration has taken large strides to continue the oppression of immigrants from our southern borders. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced  in April and May of 2018  the “Zero Tolerance” policy. This “Zero Tolerance” Policy sees adults who try to cross the border, many of whom looked to seek asylum, be placed in custody facing criminal prosecution. Therefore, hundreds of children were forcibly removed from their parents and housed in detention centers.

There is no federal law that stipulates  children be separated from their parents at the border no matter how the families entered the United States of America.

During this absolute horrific violation of human rights, we’ve seen a great influx in resistance towards this administration and their racist agenda. Abogado Ray Ybarra Maldonado takes a moment during “Thursday Night Live with Abogado Ray” to engage those in our community in asking “What are you doing to resist the Sessions/Trump Administration?”

Abogado Ray shares:

“…You might feel like “I’m going to go into this depression and I’m not going to engage and I’m just going to check out and the world is horrible.” We have those feelings, and we have to acknowledge that those feelings inside of us are valid because for the past 500 years we’ve been getting punched in the face! And we’ve been getting told that we are inferior because of the color of our skin and now because of even the geography of where we’re coming from.

That’s a part of,  I hate to say it folks, it’s part of the DNA of the United States of America, and some people might get offended by that but that’s all I’m here to [do], speak my opinion to you and I think when you look at the inception of the country from the genocide of Native Americans to slavery to what we’re going through now, people are saying  “This is un-american,” no, this is American, this is our history and the only way we’re going to win this battle is by acknowledging that. That we’ve gone through some very dark times in this country and we, the people in power, have done some pretty horrific human rights violations and massacres to people of color because they feel that they’re superior and now it’s manifesting itself much more subtle and hidden way. The governments really coming at us and saying “It’s the law,” right? And they’re hiding under the color of the law, the “legality” of things. Or they’re trying to say “We’re not doing things because you’re brown, we’re doing things because it’s illegal to you, and everybody has adopted that terminology, but nonetheless, it still exists and that’s where it comes from. From this idea of white supremacy, from this idea that the “other” is inferior, is bad, and doesn’t belong here. And that’s still what we’re fighting against…”

Check out the entire video below!

 

It comes down to one thing: right is right and wrong is wrong. We have to learn from our country’s past mistakes and make better decisions moving forward. At the end of the day, when your great-great grandchildren look back in the history books, what side of history will they learn you were on?

Many of us are tuning in to different news outlets or scrolling through our social media and seeing various sad reports of children being ripped from their families on the US/Mexico border.

Abogado Ray takes a moment to breakdown what exactly is happening on the US/Mexico border now that the Trump administration has decided to start a “zero tolerance” policy against immigration that is creating an overflow of court hearings.

“Attorney General Sessions all but took away the opportunity for someone to win their case based on violence that was done by private actors. This decision means those fleeing severe domestic violence and kidnapping from private individuals may not be able to pass their initial credible fear interviews.” shares attorney Ray Ybarra Maldonado.

Furthermore, Sessions and the Trump administration are now attempting to criminalize every single person that comes to the US/Mexico border even if they have a valid asylum case. They have created inhumane and unfair conditions for not only the parents and adults attempting to seek refuge in the US, but also their children.

Stay tuned for updates on the current state of affairs at our Southern borders and what we can do to help. We will be working around the clock to ensure we stay on top of the issues at hand and to ensure we provide our community with correct information.

We will also be working on compiling ways to share in which anyone in the community can get involved! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send us a message via Facebook, Instagram, or to our email info@abogadoray.com.

-Ybarra Maldonado Law Group

NEW ASYLUM DECISION ANNOUNCED

In this video, Abogado Ray discusses Attorney General Sessions decision in Matter of A-B. In Matter of A-B, Attorney General Sessions overturns decades of important case law that expanded those eligible for asylum in the United States.

“Attorney General Sessions all but took away the opportunity for someone to win their case based on violence that was done by private actors.”

In an obvious attempt to stop people from entering the country and claiming asylum, Attorney General Sessions all but took away the opportunity for someone to win their case based on violence that was done by private actors. This decision means those fleeing severe domestic violence and kidnapping from private individuals may not be able to pass their initial credible fear interviews.

In this video, Abogado Ray explains the decision and provides an insight into other dangerous statements made by the Attorney General.  Ultimately we encourage all those seeking asylum to continue to fight their cases and make the best record possible so this decision can someday be overturned. We are hopeful that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will eventually overturn this decision.

If you or someone you know is fighting an asylum case or needs assistance with an asylum case, please give our office a call and schedule a free case evaluation. 602-910-4040. We are also available via private message on Facebook!

 

By: Lizeth Escalante

We’ve compiled a short list of critical steps to take after a car accident for your convenience!

We understand that a car accident, regardless of the severity, can put a serious strain on your day and on your finances. Aside from dealing with injuries, there’s the possibility of missing work days and auto repairs that you now must take care of. The good thing to remember is that you don’t have to fight the insurance companies alone!

Ensure to follow these 5 critical steps after a car accident!

1. Do not leave the scene of the accident and immediately notify the police. After ensuring everyone is okay, contact the police to ensure a report is filed in case there is a dispute about liability. Only move your car if it is drivable and most importantly, safe to do so. Otherwise, stay put until a police officer arrives for assistance.

2. Remain calm. Easier said than done, we know! It will not do you any good to take out your frustrations on the other party involved. Make sure to remain calm and courteous through your interaction.

3. Make sure you exchange insurance information. Ensuring you have the insurance information from the other driver will help with the resolution of your claim, especially if the party at fault is slow to report the accident to their own insurance. Often, the police officer at the scene will assist with exchanging information.

4. Take photos of the damage from both vehicles. Approximately 99% of our cell phones can take photos. Make sure you snap a few of both vehicles to document the damage.

5. Before making a statement to the insurance, seek legal advice. Make sure you don’t sign any documents or give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company before speaking with an experienced attorney.

After you’ve been injured in a car accident, give us a call to schedule your FREE initial case evaluation. Do not make any statements to the insurance company without the legal advice of your trusted attorney. Give us a call at 602-910-4040. We are here to make sure the insurance companies compensate you for your loss and injuries. 602-910-4040.

More than a Dream

By: Salvador Macias

The sunlight came in through the shades, shaking me from my dream. But as a 6-year-old, that just meant Saturday morning cartoons. I sprang up and dashed to the living room. As I turned on the television, there he was – a blue-and-red blur flying across the screen. Soon after, the iconic “S” came into focus: SUPERMAN. By far, my favorite superhero.

I liked him for his abilities. Who wouldn’t? He was super-strong and able to fly. But my connection was deeper. He was more than a hero, he was an immigrant who left his home and came to the United States. He left everything and adapted to this new place.

And, best of all, he used this experience to become stronger and protect others, standing for “TRUTH, JUSTICE and the AMERICAN WAY.” Leaping from couch to couch in pajamas, I dreamed of one day being able to protect people, too; I dreamed of growing into someone loved in America.

I outgrew my pajamas, but never quite outgrew my hunger for leadership. That is why four years letter my dream was to become President of the United States. One day, in fourth grade, my teacher opened our civics class to talk about the requirements for the presidency. There was no kid more eager. I took out my notebook and prepared to plan my future. She began by writing on the board, “Must be at least 35 years of age.” One day I’ll be older; check. Next: “Must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years.” I will have lived in the country for 31 years by then; check. Finally, “Must be a natural-born citizen of the U.S.”

With that, my world came crashing down.

My whole life I was told you can do anything you set your mind to. And now, over something I had no control over – where I was born, I was being denied my dream.

My teacher continued with the unofficial requirements, saying a president should also go to college and asked who among us would do that. Oops. She pulled me aside and asked why I felt it was beyond me, to which I said, “I’m undocumented.” Understanding the pain, I must have felt, she asked why I wanted to be president?” I said, “I want to make a difference in my community, like Martin Luther King.” She smiled and pointed out that he wasn’t a past-president. I countered: “Well, like Cesar Chavez.” Again, she smiled and corrected me. That’s when I realized, my dream was not to become president; my dream is to make a positive impact in my community. I want to interpret the law, not be a victim of it.

Thankfully, I did find a way to go to college. when back then it seemed impossible. I had to pay three times the tuition my classmates did and couldn’t apply for most scholarships. I was unable to qualify for loans, and unable to work.

Then, a miracle occurred.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was created and brought me out of the shadows. It could work enough to make me feel free of fear of deportation. Thanks to this program, I followed my dream, went to law school, graduated and passed the Arizona Bar exam. The lesson of understanding the law that I learned in fourth grade became the engine that drove me.

Nearly 800,000 individuals across the nation have benefited. We have found jobs, reached for higher education and offered help to community resources. While many hoped DACA would remain, I always understood it was merely a Band-Aid; I always understood that true security can only come through Congress. We encourage fellow immigrants to use their voices and tell their stories. It’s these stories that help lift the veil of misunderstanding.

At times like this, I remember those childhood Saturday mornings, think back to Superman going up against an impeding apocalypse. It wasn’t his super strength that saved the day, it was his resolve. It was knowing that he was fighting on the right side.

Dreams can be funny. They begin in a land of make-believe, but with perseverance and grit, they can become objects of reality. I may not be wearing an “S” on my shirt and may not be living in the White House, but my love for this country has led me to fight for my community and its dignity.