New Mexico Immigrant Law Center Stands Strong for Immigrant Rights 

Written By Kevin Hopper

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Date: November 6, 2024  

CONTACT:
Felipe Vasquez 
Fvasquez@nmilc.org  - 505 639 8636 




New Mexico Immigrant Law Center Stands Strong for Immigrant Rights 

Since 2010, the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) has been a lifeline for thousands of low-income immigrants, providing free legal services, advocacy, and education. NMILC is one of the only legal organizations in New Mexico dedicated to serving immigrants who need legal help with deportation defense, a path to citizenship, DACA, obtaining work permits and other economic support, as well as representing people seeking asylum or in immigration detention. Our services are designed to reach our most vulnerable community members. 

We have seen firsthand the impacts of harmful immigration policies in our communities in a state that has historically been welcoming to newcomers. That’s why we are troubled by the anti-immigrant rhetoric that dominated this election and stoked unfounded fears about migrants and people seeking asylum in the US. Unfortunately, xenophobia is nothing new in American politics, but we witnessed never-before seen levels of demonization, scapegoating, and dangerous, outright racist characterizations of immigrants. 

Our work is grounded in the belief that all individuals, regardless of immigration status, deserve justice, dignity, and a life free from fear. We know that immigrants enhance our communities economically, culturally, and linguistically, especially when we are allowed to fully participate. 

Following the election of President Trump and Vice-President Vance, NMILC remains steadfast in our commitment to serving immigrant communities, protecting due process, and championing immigrant justice. Politics does not change that. We recognize that challenges lie ahead for many immigrants and their families. During the campaign season, the incoming administration and its party shared their plans to, among other harmful initiatives, conduct mass deportations, eliminate the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, dismantle the DREAM Act, resume family separation, end protections for survivors of violence and unaccompanied minors, and more. 

We urge incoming leaders, at state and national levels, to prioritize policies that support the humanity and contributions of immigrants in New Mexico and across the nation and to work towards a fairer, more compassionate immigration system that address the urgent needs of immigrant communities, from access to legal representation to humane protections for asylum seekers.  

NMILC stands with immigrants, and we will continue to support immigrant families through legal representation, community education, and systemic advocacy for compassionate, just, and effective policies that uphold fairness and equity. We will also work to enhance our deportation defense practice and work in coalition with all New Mexicans who believe that all people are entitled to due process protections and a chance at the American Dream.  

We are committed to working alongside our allies in support of policies that reflect our shared commitment to human rights and justice, and that honor the human rights, dignity, and contributions of immigrants who are an essential part of New Mexico and the United States. We are ready to engage in constructive dialogue with leaders to help build a fairer and more inclusive future for all. 

If you want to get involved, please visit nmilc.org/volunteer 

Or to support our work, please contribute to nmilc.org/donate  

 
 
Kevin Hopper

The power of words and pictures has always been immense. From cave paintings and stained glass to the advents of the printing press, photography, television and of course, the Internet.

Words and pictures are everywhere. Lucky for me, I have a talent for crafting and combining them into powerful and effective communication.

I grew up fascinated with photography, then fine art and graphic design. I also stumbled upon my writing talent when a college professor accused me of plagiarism (the highest form of flattery?). A career in advertising seemed the obvious track, so that was my initial route. However, my diverse skillset and ravenous appetite for learning new applications, tools and programs pushed me into journalism, art direction, digital publishing, UX/UI, AI, etc. This constant technological multiplicity keeps me both engaged, challenged, and admittedly, a bit overwhelmed.

Yet what remains constant? Words and pictures.

Regardless of industry, words and pictures are important. This is something that every successful company demands, and armed with the ability to craft both into effective communication, it is a thrill for me to perform.

My career path has been far from standard, but it has opened my creative mind to a multitude of applications and perspectives. Along the way, I have worked with and for some extraordinary people from all walks of life. I celebrate diversity in all forms and continue to seek and solve new communication problems via my design entity Hoppervision.

When time allows, I create artwork, take photos, cook impulsively, collect vintage furniture and snowboard when possible.

Let’s talk creativity in terms of solving your communications issues…

…over a taut espresso, of course!

https://hoppervision.com
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