The Rhizome Center for Migrants

The Rhizome Center for Migrants’ mission is to support and defend forcibly displaced persons and uprooted people at risk around the world. Through the help of technology and transborder networks, we combine direct services, advocacy, and socially-driven development to empower migrant communities.

We believe that immigration status and citizenship do not form the basis for discrimination and abuse. Nor do rights terminate at the border. Our beliefs push us to enhance access to justice and to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms even after someone has been deported.

We are the first and only legal aid clinic south of the border focused entirely on providing post-deportation legal aid services to the returned community. Our Mexico Project focuses on strengthening and expanding legal and reintegration resources for at-risk deportees and returnees.

In June 2018, The Rhizome Center for Migrants partnered with Casa Scalabrini to provide legal representation and counseling to at-risk deported migrants at Casa Scalabrini’s shelter in Guadalajara, Mexico. We also work with the greater returned community in Mexico to help separated families understand their options for reunification.