Justice for our Neighbors

but denies he improperly represented himself

By Nate Reens | The Grand Rapids Press

January 28, 2010, 9:50PM

HOLLAND — A notary public accused of acting as a qualified immigration attorney has agreed to stop preparing and submitting immigration-related documents as part of a settlement, court records show.

Elias Cruz Ortiz, 77, denied all allegations that he improperly represented his professional duties, but surrendered his notary public license and will stop advising people on immigration matters.

Ortiz owned and operated Servicios Mundo Hispano, which he has since closed in the wake of the claim in Ottawa County Circuit Court.

The Holland man was sued by Farmworker Legal Services on behalf of Rodolfo Rubio, who paid $500 for an immigration petition Ortiz was not authorized or qualified to prepare.  Megan Reynolds, who represented Rubio, said it is unclear how many people Ortiz assisted over decades of opening and closing various offices in the Holland area.  Each of his clients could face immigration problems because Ortiz used his business address and that could result in missed notices and the start of deportation proceedings.

“There are serious consequences possible here and it’s important to make sure that there’s no confusion about a person’s level of education and professional ability,” Reynolds said.

Miles Murphy, Ortiz’s attorney, said his client is a “longtime upstanding member of the community.”

“He categorically denies any improper conduct,” Murphy said.

Ortiz could not be reached for comment.

An injunction barring Ortiz from immigration work stipulates he will pay $5,000 for offenses of the court order.  Reynolds claimed Ortiz violated the state’s Immigration Clerical Assistant Act that mandates non-attorneys who provide services or advice to register with the government.

Ortiz did not claim he was not an attorney and was not the equivalent of a notario publico, a title in Latin American countries refers to a person who has obtained a law license, Reynolds said.

E-mail Nate Reens: nreens@grpress.com

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/01/holland_man_agrees_to_stop_han.html

JFON has finally gained access to the ICE Detention Facility in Calhoun County to conduct Know Your Rights presentations to detainees.  This outreach program is funded by grants from the UMCOR Immigration and Refugees Ministries and the Michigan State Bar Foundation (Administration of Justice Grant).   JFON Attorney Liz Balck makes monthly visits to the Calhoun County facility.  The intent of the presentation is to present legal options to those facing deportation or awaiting a ruling on their asylum application, so they can make the best decision for themselves.  Unlike those facing criminal prosecution, those detained by ICE do not have the right to court appointed attorney and often do not have funds to pay for a private attorney.  The wait in detention can place great hardship on the individual and his/her family outside the facility, with detentions sometimes lasting a year or more.  So far, Liz has made one visit to the Women’s pod, which does not even have access to a law library; and a second to the men’s pod where she met with 20 men.  Her presentations have been well-received by immigrants and staff.  In fact, Calhoun County staff have asked that she be present next month when ICE conducts its facility audit and they are also trying to have Liz conduct a staff training.

By: Miguel De La Torre
Posted: Monday, October 12, 2009 5:55 am 
Section: Columns on Culture and Media

Why is it that the United Statesprohibits me from being faithful in following my Lord and Savior‘s admonishment to imitate the example of the Good Samaritan?(Luke 10:29-37)

During my time in the desert, while walking the migrant trails with food and water strapped to my back looking for those crossing the border to provide physical, spiritualand medical assistance, I came across Jesus several times.

On this highway through Hell, thousands of brown bodies die torturous deaths in fulfillment of a U.S. policy called Operation Gatekeeper designed to deter future immigration through the death of those who out of desperation attempt the cross. But among these migrants, who like lambs are sent to their slaughter, is Jesus.

Jesus was once an immigrant escaping Herod‘s reach, and Jesus today is an undocumented immigrant escaping the poverty caused by NAFTA. If you want to see Jesus, then join me in the desert for there he is again being crucified for the sins of U.S. foreign economic and trade policies toward Latin America during the past century.

To read more: click here

Events in Holland and Grand Rapids last week raised over $5,000 to support the legal services clinic.  Sixty-five people filled Herrick District Library in Holland and nearly fifty people attended an evening event in the Parlor of First United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids to hear Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre speak about current immigration policy.  Dr. De La Torre is the author of the newly released “Trails of Hope and Terror:  Testimonies on Immigration.”  If you would like purchase one of the few remaining copies ($20) of the book, please call the office or email Wendy Taylor w.taylor@jfonwestmichigan.org