Immigration Attorney Talks Legal Landscape Under ICE Duress

Lawyer Tara Goodarzi met with Upper School students in Immigration Civic Lab groups to discuss her work in immigration law and as a community organizer. In addition to her work in intellectual property, and in response to an ever-growing need, Goodarzi began side work in immigration law in 2018. 

This work hit close to home when ICE agents entered her son’s daycare, Rayito de Sol, to detain a beloved teacher, Ms. Diana. Goodarzi, along with several other parents at the school, immediately started working on securing Ms. Diana’s release by filing a habeas petition for a judge to determine the illegality of her detention. Thanks to the group’s rapid legal response, a strong media effort to raise awareness and community support in fundraising efforts, Ms. Diana was released from detention eight days later and is back to teaching.

Students asked questions about the uniqueness of immigration law, how to enact real change and what young people can do to help. Goodarzi was candid about the frustrations that come with the constant change in immigration law, but she was positive about more people trying to find the answers and doing more pro bono work as costs continue to be a hurdle for many. 

For students who want to do something, Goodarzi encouraged everyone to “lean into your community.” Helping overburdened nonprofits, building whistle kits, canvassing and knowing one’s rights and when to articulate them are all ways people can help make a difference. Goodarzi emphasized that change will come when everybody is talking about it.

She also encouraged acting against ignorance with information and said, “Reading is one of the most important things we can do right now.”

Goodarzi’s work aligns with Parker’s mission and the objective of the Civic Lab program. The school encourages students to be active members of our democracy and confront behaviors that oppress, exclude or demean the humanity of others. Parker is grateful to have had Goodarzi speak on her real experience in helping make a difference in the community. 

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