Southern Poverty Law Center Sues Over Immigrant Access to Legal Assistance

Caption

The Southern Poverty Law Center has named two Georgia detention centers in a lawsuit claiming immigration officials hinder detainees' access to legal help. / AP Photo/File

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it would halt its Legal Orientation Program, which provides legal advice and information to detained immigrants. The DOJ has also suspended a telephone helpline.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) says this isn't the only obstacle immigrants face when it comes to legal assistance. In a new lawsuit, the SPLC claims federal immigration officials make it difficult for detainees to communicate with their attorneys. In the lawsuit, the Southern Poverty Law Center calls out two Georgia detention centers as part of the problem. 

On Second Thought host Adam Ragusea speaks with SPLC legal director Lisa Graybill and immigration attorney Hiba Ghalib.

SPLC legal director Lisa Graybill and immigration lawyer Hiba Ghalib talked with us about immigrants' access to legal assistance. 

Guests

Lisa Graybill, legal director, Southern Poverty Law Center

Hiba Ghalib, immigration attorney