Department of Justice
DOJ Moves to End Administrative Immigration Appeals to Speed Up Mass Deportations
The Department of Justice (DOJ), which oversees the immigration court and administrative appeals system, published an interim final rule on February 6 that will effectively end appellate review of many immigration judge decisions. The rule goes into effect March 9, and, while it won’t impact the close to… Read More
Why the Justice Department is Wrong About Sanctuary Cities
The Department of Justice (DOJ) published a list of “sanctuary” jurisdictions on August 5 as a follow up to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in April. Listing cities, counties, and states, the DOJ contends that these localities impede federal… Read More
Biden v. Texas – A Legal Showdown on the Southern Border Wages On
Written by Chelsie Kramer, Texas State Organizer and Emma Winger, Deputy Legal Director Texas is once again making national headlines after a woman and two children drowned in the Rio Grande while attempting to cross the river on January 12. The horrific event is just the latest in a… Read More
Want to Hire an Immigrant or Refugee? Chambers of Commerce Aim to Make That Easier
With job openings at nearly twice as high as the pre-pandemic norm, employers across the country are continuing to struggle to fill open positions and meet workforce needs. But they’re finding a natural ally in an unusual place: chambers of commerce. Chambers are refocusing the conversation around immigration by… Read More
Mexico’s Supreme Court Declares Immigration Checkpoints Unconstitutional
Mexico’s Supreme Court released a decision on May 18 that struck down the policy of stopping and searching individuals to check their immigration status as racist and discriminatory—and therefore unconstitutional. Such searches have been part of Mexico’s broad attempt to crack down on migration through its territory, largely due to… Read More
Immigration Court Comes Into the 21st Century with Electronic Filing for Attorneys
Immigration courts will soon take a big step into the digital age. On February 11, 2022, immigration attorneys, accredited representatives, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lawyers, will be required to electronically file immigration court paperwork in new immigration cases. This update won’t make the immigration court system fully paperless. Read More
Substance Abuse, Criminal Charges, and Death: National Guard Border Deployments Plagued by Problems
National Guard troops deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border face a grim reality, with their deployments plagued by substance abuse problems and discontent. Eight troops have committed suicide or died as part of a series of deployments along the border within the last year. New reports from the Army… Read More
Family Separation Has Caused Life-Long Trauma Years Later
Four years ago, immigration lawyers and advocates began to see a disturbing practice emerge: the U.S. government began to forcibly separate children—some very young—from their parents at the border. Now, years later, some families are still separated. For those put back together, the scars of trauma are life-long and… Read More
Department Of Justice Urges Immigration Courts to Help Make Pro Bono Representation Easier
Research has long shown that access to a lawyer is one of the most important factors that determines whether an immigrant in removal proceedings will be able to remain in the United States. A new policy from the Biden administration is aimed to increase access to counsel by making… Read More
California Law Would Prevent Transfers From Local Law Enforcement to ICE Custody
Proposed legislation in California that would further limit the state’s involvement in immigration detention has made progress toward becoming law. The VISION Act would prevent transfers to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody of people who are released from state or local custody. The bill passed the state assembly… Read More
