Separated families get chance in court, plus victories from our volunteer community.
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November 8, 2023

 
 
 
 
 

Judge sides with separated families, against cruel policy

A federal district court judge in Arizona dismissed the U.S. government's effort to evade compensating NIJC clients who were separated under the Trump administration’s harsh family separation policy. The judge found that the Trump administration made the "Zero Tolerance" policy to tear families apart as a deterrence method despite knowing it creates severe trauma for children and parents. Now, these traumatized families have a chance to demand compensation at trial. 

Read more about the case and the decision here

 
 
 
 
 
 

Advocates urge Biden administration to halt programs harming families and people seeking asylum 

NIJC Supervising Attorney Stephanie Spiro and NIJC National Director of Legal Services Lisa Koop recently addressed the harmful impact that the Biden administration's new programs have on people’s right to seek asylum, including the new Family Expedited Removal Program (FERM).

Under the new program’s policies, asylum seekers are forced to have rapid initial screenings in border patrol jails and are often denied access to counsel. 

Because of programs like these, families face deportation despite having valid asylum claims under U.S. law. These rapid deportation programs betray U.S. values of providing refuge for people fleeing persecution. Explore our article on how FERM undermines asylum rights.

IN THE NEWS 
Read Stephanie’s article in The Hill and Lisa's Washington Post interview.

 
 
 
 
 

Reflections from delegation to the border

NIJC Pro Bono Manager Ellen Miller recently accompanied a delegation of representatives from Chicago and Illinois to the Texas-Mexico border. Ellen asserts that in order to provide a genuine, humane welcome for newcomers to Chicago, we need to increase federal resources. 

Read the full blog with her reflections here

 
 
 
 

Immigration advocates outline solutions for 2025 federal budget 

Collaborating with other immigration organizations, we have identified the key immigration priorities for the FY2025 federal budget. Our message to the Biden administration is clear: prioritize these areas to create a more humane and dignified immigration system. 
 
Read our full letter

 
 
 
 
 

Language volunteers advance equitable access to justice 

We want to recognize Saiana Zandeeva and Adalgisa (Lisa) Vazquez-Matos, two of NIJC's stellar language volunteers! 

We thank both of them for their countless hours of contributing to our community and the positive change they’ve made in other people's lives through their translation and interpretation. 

Learn more about how our volunteers have shared their interpretation and translation skills with us to achieve language justice.

 
 
 
 
 

NIJC celebrates pro bono community at annual event

Our annual Pro Bono Celebration was a major success! We extend our thanks to everyone who joined us, to DLA Piper for hosting, and to NIJC's Associate Leadership Board for organizing. 

We proudly awarded Stasie Levin of Ropes & Gray, and Cindy Malis of Greenberg Traurig, LLP the Rookie of the Year Award and the Magda Slowik Award for Professional Excellence. See photos from the event and spotlights of our pro bono attorneys.
 
We've achieved a lot together this year, so we want to thank each and every member of our dedicated pro bono community for the impact they’ve had this year for thousands of immigrants and people seeking asylum!  
 
Learn more about the life changing services our pro bono community has provided for immigrants in our new blog.

 
 
 
 
 

Another successful 5K For Immigrant Justice 

The 5th Annual #5KforImmigrantJusticeRace week has come to an end, and we're thrilled to share that thanks to the support of over 400 participants and sponsors, we raised more than $50,000 to fund vital legal services in our communities and advocate for immigrant rights. Thanks for your incredible support! Looking forward to seeing you all again next year for another great event. See photos from the in-person 5K on Facebook.

 
 
 
 
 

Take action: Stop Robert Panton’s deportation

Robert Panton, a beloved community leader in Harlem, known for his mentorship of young people and devotion to his family, faces imminent deportation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  

Robert served 30 years behind bars due to a single drug conviction during the “War on Drugs” and was subsequently detained for nearly a year in immigration jail. He has since dedicated his life to serving his community. 

Join us, along with Harlem residents, Robert's family, and members of Congress, in supporting Robert and demanding that he be allowed to stay where he belongs - at home.
 
Sign our petition to #KeepRobertHome

 
 
 
 
 

Thank you for your support

As we near the end of the year, we want to thank you for supporting NIJC.  

We are also tremendously grateful for the more than 2,000 pro bono attorneys and legal professionals who volunteer their time and skills to help immigrants and people seeking asylum with NIJC. 

Watch this video from NIJC Senior Attorney Lisiann Rodriguez about how your support helps bring newly arrived people closer to a life with dignity in the U.S. and watch this special message from NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy as she honors members of our pro bono community.

 

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NATIONAL IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CENTER
224 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 600 | Chicago, Illinois 60604
immigrantjustice.org

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