Immigration Benefits and Relief
The immigration laws and regulations provide some avenues to apply for lawful status from within the U.S. or to seek relief from deportation. The eligibility requirements for these benefits and relief can be stringent, and the immigration agencies often adopt overly restrictive interpretations of the requirements. Learn about advocacy and litigation that has been and can be undertaken to ensure that noncitizens have a fair chance to apply for the benefits and relief for which they are eligible. Providing avenues for legal status, protection, and family reunification is vital to ensuring humanitarian protection for immigrants. We are leading policy changes that open more opportunities like asylum, visas for victims of crime or human trafficking, and relief for long-term residents. Explore the resources below to learn more.
Bills Introduced in Both Chambers Provide Common Sense Solution for Dreamers
Senators McCain (R-AZ) and Coons (D-DE) introduced the United and Securing America (U.S.A) Act in the Senate this week, which includes a permanent solution for Dreamers as well as border security measures. While the recently released White House immigration framework has not enjoyed bipartisan support, versions of this bill… Read More
DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status for Syrians, but Leaves Some Without Protections
For the first time in many months, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decided to extend a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation – this time for Syria. With civil war continuing to rage, the Secretary of Homeland Security is permitting Syrians another 18 months to be safe from… Read More
State of the Union Speech Highlights President Trump’s Vision for Massive Reductions in Immigration
President Trump gave his first State of the Union address to Congress this week, during which he shared his vision for America’s future immigration policy—and it’s bleak. The address echoed much of the White House’s restrictive immigration framework released last week, which envisions a path to citizenship for… Read More
Decoding the White House Immigration Framework
After President Trump ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative, he instructed Congress to pass legislation to protect Dreamers. However, Congress had to wait for direction from the White House on what type of legislation the president would sign into law. Finally, on Thursday, his administration released their… Read More
White House Reveals Its Framework on Immigration
Days earlier than anticipated, the Trump administration released the “White House Framework on Immigration Reform and Border Security.” It was discussed by Senior Advisor to the President, Stephen Miller, on a call this afternoon with Republican congressional staffers. It outlines the administration’s legislative wish list around border security, a 10… Read More
What the Government Reopening Means for Dream Act Legislation
The Senate voted overwhelmingly on Monday to reopen the federal government after assurances by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that there will be an open debate and vote in the Senate on a legislative solution for Dreamers by February 8, when this most recent continuing resolution runs out. Unfortunately, this inaction… Read More
Government Shuts Down While Negotiations Continue on Dream Act, but Most Immigration Functions Continue
With the national conversation focused squarely on Dreamers, Congress was unable to find common ground on a budget deal and has shut down the U.S. Government. Congressional leadership decided not to bring a vote on bipartisan Dream Act legislation. Instead, this was the fourth time in as many months that… Read More
Homeland Security Secretary Nielsen Struggles With the Facts at Senate Oversight Hearing
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, where she was grilled by Senators on negotiations around Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), rumored upcoming DHS policies, agency enforcement actions, and much more. While much of the media attention around this hearing… Read More
3 Things You Need to Know About DACA Developments This Week
There has been a flurry of activity around finding a long-term solution for Dreamers this week. All three branches of government have engaged in these head-spinning developments, ultimately underscoring the need for an urgent fix for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. In September, the administration ended the… Read More
What Salvadorans With Temporary Protected Status Should Know Now
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen announced on Monday that the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for El Salvador would be terminated. The decision to terminate TPS for some 200,000 Salvadorans comes on the heels of months of advocacy, which focused on their decades-long lawful residency in the United… Read More
