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PROMOTE social and economic justice
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CHAMPION the rights of the poor and marginalized
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PARTNER with pro bono attorneys and other professionals
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FOCUS on systemic solutions to major social problems
Founded in 1996, TEXAS APPLESEED is a public interest law center
that—through extensive research and analysis, advocacy and pro bono
partnerships—works for greater educational, economic and social justice. Ours is one of 16 Appleseed centers throughout the
United States and Mexico City.
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Ensuring Fair Representation of Immigrant Detainees with Mental Impairments
At any one time, more than 33,000 immigrants are housed in detention centers across the country; nearly half of them are in Texas. 
As part of a national Appleseed initiative, Texas Appleseed will take a hard look at the workings of immigration courts and allegations of poor treatment of detainees with mental illnesses. The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health is funding this project, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP will serve as lead pro bono partner.
"Already, we have heard reports of detainees being denied access to prescribed psychotropic medicines while in detention, or their being so heavily drugged during court hearings that they appear 'in a daze' or 'to the point of developing foam around their lips,'" said Texas Appleseed Executive Director Rebecca Lightsey.
In such a state, detainees will accept a deportation order without realizing the consequences, she said. Texas Appleseed expects to complete its research and release its recommendations for reforms next year.
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