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Advocates sue Trump administration over attempt to end asylum at the border

NIJC joined other immigrant rights advocates in suing the Trump administration over the recent proclamation aimed at completely shutting down asylum at the border and putting thousands of lives at risk.
 
“Immigration laws do not give the president autocratic power to override Congress and brazenly violate U.S. treaty obligations related to the protection of refugees...we will not stop fighting until all those who require protection have the opportunity guaranteed by U.S. law to seek asylum in this country,” said NIJC Senior Litigation Attorney Richard Calderone.
 
Read the full complaint here.

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NIJC responds to Laken Riley Act’s attack on due process

Last month, the president signed into law a dangerous anti-immigrant bill that upends due process in the U.S. justice system, empowers state politicians to oversee people’s deportation cases, and creates more family separation and child detention. 

"With this bill, Congress has allowed anti-immigrant extremists to exploit the tragic murder of Laken Riley in order to vilify immigrants and eliminate due process from the immigration system,” said NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy. “It has nothing to do with averting future harm for people like Ms. Riley, and everything to do with stoking fear and punishing our immigrant communities.” 

We are very thankful for all our supporters and community members who took action and contacted members of Congress to oppose this bill. 

Read our statement condemning Congress's passage of the Laken Riley Act.

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Advocates sue to restore legal access for people facing deportation

NIJC joined eight other nonprofits in challenging the Trump administration's stop-work order that stopped funding for legal information programs at immigration courts and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. Two days later, the stop-work order affecting NIJC’s Immigration Court Help Desk was rescinded due to a temporary restraining order entered in another case challenging the federal funding freeze.
 
"It is unconscionable that this administration has so brashly cut off this lifeline for people who are looking to follow our laws and build secure futures for themselves and their loved ones,” said NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy.
 
Read our full statement here. 

Updated DACA FAQ

On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision saying that the Biden Administration’s 2022 DACA regulation providing employment authorization benefits to DACA recipients was unlawful. The decision continues to block the government from approving new DACA applications but for now, DACA renewals may continue. 

Our updated advisory provides answers to questions about the impact of the Texas v. U.S. decision, status of Biden’s DACA regulation, status of DACA renewals and initial applications, and the DACA and employment authorization renewal process.
 
Access the full FAQ here. 

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Community empowered with information about its rights

Amidst raids and scrutiny for Chicago’s sanctuary status, we are proud to share that our community remains steadfast in educating others and sharing resources to ensure that people’s rights remain protected regardless of their immigration status.
 
IN THE NEWS: In a new interview by WGN 9, NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy outlined key rights that our community members have to protect themselves from constitutional rights violations.  

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Mom separated from son due to federal policies speaks out

Families are already being separated because of the Trump administration's recent actions.
 
IN THE NEWS: In an interview with CBS Chicago, a mother based in Chicago shared her story of seeking asylum at the border and being separated from her son, who is a plaintiff in our lawsuit and stranded in Mexico and blocked from any chance to seek asylum because of Trump's policies.  

Watch her full interview here. 

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Know Your Rights resource library

All people in the U.S. have rights, including during interactions with immigration officials. NIJC made a new educational graphic series to help our community members prepare to protect their rights and the rights of their loved ones in the event of a possible encounter with immigration officials. Get the guide for what to do if you encounter ICE.
 
Check out our social media channels with graphics and videos to help you understand your rights!
  
Visit our Know Your Rights library for more information and save and share it to help those who might need it!