Social Media:
Bluesky | LinkedIn | Facebook

NIJC and allies sue federal government for halting legal representation for children

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) and several other organizations are plaintiffs in a new lawsuit against the Trump administration after it shut down critical legal representation and services for unaccompanied children seeking safety in the United States.

This follows a similar attempt in February, again disrupting services for 26,000 children nationwide, including 500 children that NIJC serves. NIJC will continue to defend immigrant children's rights and will continue fighting in the courts and beyond to protect our community members.

Read our full statement condemning this renewed attack on children’s rights and learn more about our joint lawsuit here. 

IN THE NEWS: In an interview with KXAN News, retired immigration judge Jennie Giambastiani explained the importance of professional legal aid for children in court and called for their constitutional rights to be protected. Listen to the full interview.
 
TAKE ACTION: Sign the petition to help restore and preserve legal services for unaccompanied children. 

Social Media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | X

Congress to vote on increased funding for detention and deportation 

This week, Congress may vote on a budget reconciliation package that would add billions of funding to detention and deportation efforts and strip families in our community of health, education, and nutrition resources.
 
TAKE ACTION: Tell Congress to oppose the budget reconciliation ending vital services for families! 

Social Media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Last Week Tonight's John Oliver exposes who profits from ICE detention 

On Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, John analyzed the American immigration detention system, including who runs and profits from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities, how people's civil rights are regularly violated, and the deadly results of detention.
 
IN THE NEWS: The segment cited NIJC's ICE Detention Snapshot and Chance to Come Home video documentary, uplifting the story of Howard Bailey, a father, U.S. veteran, and entrepreneur who was unjustly deported but returned home in 2021 to reunite with his community and family after years of tireless advocacy.
 
Watch the full segment here and start at the 3-minute mark to see the mention of NIJC. 

Social Media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

U.S. expands immigration detention to other countries 

The United States is now offshoring immigration detention without any concern for due process and people’s whereabouts when they are held in concerning conditions.
 
IN THE NEWS: In an interview with Reuters, NIJC Director of Litigation Keren Zwick said she was deeply concerned about her client's wellbeing, a Turkish woman and her daughter who were seeking asylum in the U.S. but were deported to Panama and have since been sent back to Turkey. 

Read more. 

Two men win asylum! 

This spring, a pro bono team won asylum for a man from Cameroon who was persecuted on political grounds and due to membership in a particular social group of Anglophone Cameroonians.

And just one day later, a Colombian man who was persecuted on imputed political opinion won asylum with help from pro bono attorneys. Congratulations to our pro bono colleagues for achieving these great victories! 

Social Media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | X

50 new monthly donors join NIJC!

In March, more than 50 generous people committed to be new monthly donors to support NIJC's work, unlocking a $50,000 challenge grant from retired judge and long-time NIJC supporter Sheila O’Brien! And we want to thank all our supporters for helping propel us forward in our community's time of need.
 
Even though we have reached our match-goal, we still need your support. If you haven’t contributed yet, every little bit helps protect immigrant rights and provide life-changing legal services to our community members who need it now more than ever.
 
Donate to protect immigrants. 

Social Media:
LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Secure your seat for the 26th Annual NIJC Human Rights Awards! 

Event Information
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. CT
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
540 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

The 26th Annual NIJC Human Rights Awards will take place in Chicago on Tuesday, June 3, at 12 p.m. Join more than 1,000 new and long-time supporters in honoring the achievements of human rights leaders and business, community, and philanthropic leaders. Human rights activist and renowned author Jewher Ilham will receive the Jeanne M. and Joseph P. Sullivan Award and deliver the keynote.

Tickets to this event are selling fast! Get yours now!