Safe Haven Advocacy Project
Powerful forces for positive change
WHO WE ARE
The Safe Haven Advocacy Project is a nonprofit legal service organization offering free legal and social support to adults and unaccompanied children in immigration custody who are victims of human trafficking. While the government offers assistance to indigent criminal defendants and civil litigants through public defenders and legal aid attorneys, it doesn't provide attorneys for individuals in immigration removal proceedings. Consequently, about 86 percent of detained individuals remain without legal representation due to financial constraints.
ABOUT US
We strive to address this inequity both locally and nationally through direct service, partnerships with the community, and advocacy and outreach efforts.
MISSION
The mission of the Safe Haven Advocacy Project is to provide free legal and social services to detained adults and unaccompanied children facing immigration removal proceedings.
VISION
The vision of the Safe Haven Advocacy Project is to ensure that all immigrants, including victims of human trafficking and asylum seekers, facing removal have access to counsel, understand their rights under the law, and are treated fairly and humanely.
PROBLEM
There are over 11 million immigration cases on backlog not including the illegal immigrants who are currently in the United States unaccounted for.
More than 85 percent have no legal representation.
Even the worse criminal when charged in the US is appointed legal counsel regardless of being able to afford one. It is part of the miranda rights. Why is immigration court different?
Immigration court is no longer an administrative process. Immigration is a life-changing event and immigration court is as complex as any other legal procedure. Most pro bono attorneys are limited and saturated with cases and are unable to tackle this issue alone.
Illegal immigrants live in the United States unable to live normal productive lives where they can contribute by paying taxes and being law-abiding citizens. Most illegal immigrants start off on the wrong foot due to a lack of quality legal counsel. Due to this matter, they live in fear and are not able to live to their potential.
This system holds most illegal immigrants back from education and the ability to apply their talents and contributions to the US including billions in taxes.
Immigration has long been a human right in the USA.
SOLUTION
Safe Haven Advocacy Project is committed to providing paid legal service.
The contributions will be applied to aid all immigrants who are not able to afford to pay for legal representation.
So many immigrants come to ask for safe haven and go through the immigration process and are rejected because their story goes untold correctly due to lack of legal aid. By providing a paid attorney we can insure that the immigrants have a fair trial and due process is done without violating any human rights.
This project would also alÃviate the saturated immigration courts and streamline the immigration procedures. All cases would be reviewed and qualified to help those immigrants in financial need that can’t afford an attorney.
Â
WHAT WE DO
We offer a diverse, multi-faceted approach with a trauma- informed lens to our legal work. We believe all migrants deserve access to due process no matter where you come from.
Advocacy and Outreach
Safe Haven Advocacy Project’s advocacy and outreach programs provide legal representation, counseling, and support services to immigrant Safe Haven Advocacy Project’s advocacy and outreach programs provide legal representation, counseling, and support services to adults and unaccompanied children in immigration custody in California.
The Children's Program
Our program provides specialized support services to immigrant children in California. This includes counseling, mentorship, and educational support to help these children heal and rebuild their lives. The program also provides resources and support to immigrant parents and caregivers to better understand and support their children’s needs.
Integrated Social Services
Safe Haven Advocacy Project’s Integrated Social Services provide comprehensive support to adults and unaccompanied children, offering case management, legal aid, housing assistance, and various resources aimed at fostering safety and stability in survivors’ lives. Additionally, the program prioritizes culturally sensitive services to better address the specific requirements of immigrant survivors and has established a partnership with Aces Overcomes nonprofit to further enhance its impact.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Immigrants face many challenges in adjusting to life in a new country. There are many resources available to help them succeed, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations. Find more information about these resources by visiting the websites of the organizations listed below.
The Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) is a program of Pro Bono Net that is dedicated to expanding access to immigration legal resources and information through collaboration and technology. IAN was created in 2007 by leading immigrants’ rights organizations and law schools to address the growing need for high-quality immigration legal services.
IAN provides a variety of resources and services to help immigrants and their allies, including:
- A national directory of immigration legal services providers
- Training and technical assistance for immigration lawyers and advocates
- Support for the development of new immigration legal resources
- Advocacy for policies that improve access to immigration justice
IAN is committed to working with immigrants, their allies, and the legal community to create a more just and humane immigration system.
Advocates for Immigrant Rights (AIR) is a non-profit, non-partisan law firm that provides free and low-cost legal services to immigrants and their families in Tennessee and the Mid-South. AIR was founded in 1999 by a group of immigration lawyers who were concerned about the lack of access to affordable legal representation for immigrants.
AIR’s mission is to promote the rights and well-being of immigrants through the provision of high-quality legal services, education, and advocacy. AIR’s services include:
- Representation in immigration court
- Assistance with naturalization
- Deportation defense
- Family-based immigration
- Employment-based immigration
- Asylum
- Removal defense
- DACA
- And more
AIR also provides a variety of educational and outreach programs to help immigrants understand their rights and navigate the immigration system. AIR’s advocacy work includes:
- Lobbying for immigration reform
- Filing amicus briefs in court cases
- Educating the public about immigration issues
- And more
AIR is committed to providing high-quality legal services to immigrants and their families. AIR’s staff is made up of experienced immigration lawyers and paralegals who are dedicated to helping immigrants achieve their immigration goals. AIR is also committed to providing affordable legal services to immigrants who cannot afford to pay for private representation. AIR’s fees are based on a sliding scale, and no one is turned away because of an inability to pay.
If you are an immigrant or know an immigrant who needs legal assistance, please contact AIR for a free consultation. AIR can be reached at (901) 729-9560 or by visiting www.airlegal.org.
Family Justice Center (FJC) is a one-stop shop for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and/or human trafficking. FJCs provide a variety of services, including:
- Legal assistance
- Counseling
- Shelter
- Child care
- Financial assistance
- Job training
- And more
FJCs are designed to make it easier for victims to access the services they need. By providing all of these services in one location, FJCs can help victims get the help they need quickly and easily.
FJCs are staffed by a team of professionals who are trained to work with victims of violence. This team may include lawyers, counselors, social workers, and other professionals. FJCs also work closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, and other community partners to provide comprehensive services to victims.
FJCs are a valuable resource for victims of violence. They can help victims get the help they need to heal and rebuild their lives. If you are a victim of violence, please contact your local FJC for more information.
Here are some of the benefits of using a Family Justice Center:
- Convenience: FJCs offer a variety of services in one location, so you don’t have to go to multiple places to get the help you need.
- Confidentiality: FJCs are committed to confidentiality, so you can be sure that your information will be kept safe.
- Support: FJCs provide a safe and supportive environment where you can get the help you need to heal.
- Empowerment: FJCs can help you take control of your life and rebuild your future.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, or human trafficking, please contact your local Family Justice Center for more information.
Learn More About Us
MEET OUR LEADERSHIP
Juan Espinoza
The Safe Haven Advocacy Project Founder
Juan, an immigrant to the United States himself, started his immigration career in early 2011. Not only does he have a strong passion for Justice and advocacy, but he is also a supporter of human rights. He hopes to make a difference in closing the gap of immigrants without legal representation in our courts. Dedicated and truly passionate about his work, Juan tirelessly works day and night helping others by providing legal service and education within the immigration law. Most noteworthy however, is his personal interest in being a part of every immigrant’s successful story in fulfilling their American dream.
Alfonso Esquer
Alfonso Esquer, Executive Director, Social Services, Safe Haven Advocacy Project
Alfonso Esquer is a passionate proponent of justice and equality, fervently committed to upholding human rights and the inherent worth of every individual. His diverse and extensive experience in federal investigations, law enforcement, clinical mental health practices and current role in academia as Director and Professor of criminal justice, has culminated in his influential role as the Executive Director of Social Services at the Safe Haven Advocacy Project. Beyond his formal roles, Alfonso dedicates his time as a volunteer chaplain, supporting incarcerated youth and adults, and leads a non-profit dedicated to aiding those transitioning from incarceration and seeking a fresh start. His active engagement in the criminal justice sphere is a testament to his enduring commitment to reform and betterment of the system within the United States.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Biola University, an M.A. in Criminal Justice and Security Management from Webster University and a second Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California.
Education
- M.S.W. Social Work, University of Southern California
- M.A., Criminal Justice, Webster University
- B.A.,Psychology, Biola University
Courses Taught
- SCJ4053: Restorative Justice
- SCJ3013: Criminology
- SCJ4003: Community Policing
- SCJ4073: Seminar in Criminal Justice
- SCJ4072: Internship in Criminal Justice
Experience in Field
- Drug Enforcement Administration as a Criminal Investigator, Special Agent
- Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department (Deputized)
- U.S. Marine Corps
- Donovan State Prison Counselor and Mentor
- George Bailey County Jail Counselor and Mentor
- Otay Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility Counselor and Mentor
- Mental Health Clinician
Professional and Community Involvement
- Chaplain, Prison Ministry Leader, The Rock Church
- Post-incarceration reentry services provider, CEO non-profit organization
- Volunteer Clinical Counselor for Vulnerable Populations
Awards and Honors
- Narcotics Officer of Year, Department of Justice 2008 & 2011
- Restorative Justice Practitioner Community Leader Award NCRC
At a Glance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum eleifend turpis a efficitur porttitor quisque euismod lacus.
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum eleifend turpis a efficitur porttitor quisque euismod lacus.”
Sophia Miller
Chief Editor, Monday Times
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum eleifend turpis a efficitur porttitor quisque euismod lacus.”
