The Law Day Committee presented the 2019 Liberty Bell Award at the MCB Law Day Luncheon on May 2, 2019, to Ruth Santana. Ms. Santana works with the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy as a fully accredited BIA representative and represents immigrants in immigration court.
The annual Liberty Bell Award recognizes an individual who has performed community service that has strengthened the American system of freedom under the law, including 1) promoting a better understanding of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights; 2) encouraging greater respect for law and the courts; 3) stimulating a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights; 4) contributing to the effective functioning of our institutions of government; and/or 5) fostering a better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law.
Ms. Santana is an advocate for some of Mecklenburg County’s most at-risk populations. In addition to immigration court representation, Ms. Santana is often the most called-on resource at CCLA’s Immigrant Justice Program. She patiently explains the immigration processes to clients that are often overwhelmed by their current status.
Ms. Santana goes above and beyond the call of duty when interacting with clients. She is the first person to make sure people in crisis have someone that will advocate on their behalf. In addition to being a fierce advocate during work hours, Ms. Santana can be found at local outreach events ensuring the local community has access to necessary safety tools.
Ms. Santana truly is an unsung hero and continues to be pivotal in the promotion of freedom under the law in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and beyond. Ms. Santana has made, and continues to make, a powerful and lasting impact on the legal and political history of our region.