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NIJC condemns Trump administration’s exploitation of tragedy to demonize immigrants 

Following the deadly shooting of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., the Trump administration exploited this tragedy to launch new discriminatory policies that target asylum seekers, green card holders, Afghanistan nationals, and other members of our communities.  

“Where there is grief and heartbreak, the Trump administration sees opportunity—i.e., the opportunity to unveil more racist and anti-immigrant policies. There is no excuse for demonizing entire nationalities for the act of one individual. But we expect no less from an administration that dehumanizes immigrants at every turn, separates families daily, and abducts people from our communities based on racial profiling.” 

Read NIJC’s full statement here.

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Senators reintroduce Dream Act to help immigrant youth, DACA recipients

DACA recipients and immigrant youth are students, workers, caregivers, organizers, friends, and family. They deserve a future rooted in safety, belonging and dignity.

With the reintroduction of the DREAM Act by Senators Durbin and Murkowski last week, Congress has a clear bipartisan path to finally deliver permanent protections for immigrant youth.

Watch last week's press conference about the DREAM Act and take action to urge your Senators to co-sponsor the DREAM Act!

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Legislation would ensure immigration detention oversight and accountability

We applaud U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Adam Smith’s latest legislation, the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, which would end inhumane detention conditions and restore humanity to the immigration process.

This bill proposes oversight and repeal of mandatory detention, prohibiting the detention of families and children, and many other life-saving protectionary measures.

“The National Immigrant Justice Center is grateful for members of Congress fighting for communities increasingly under attack, facing inhumane conditions in a system driven by private contractors profiting off the imprisonment of human beings,” said Jesse Franzblau, NIJC’s associate director of policy. "This legislation is a guide for Congress working to dismantle walls and prisons and invest in an immigration system grounded in humanity.”

Learn more about the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act here.

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NIJC testifies at hearing about ICE’s traumatizing impact on communities & U.S. citizens

In Washington, D.C., NIJC Associate Director of Policy Jesse Franzblau testified at a democratic forum led by Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and the Committee on Homeland Security about the devastating impact of ICE raids on our communities and U.S. citizens. During the hearing, Franzblau addressed rights abuses by federal immigration agents and their discriminatory practices based on race and ethnicity. See Jesse’s testimony and watch the hearing on our blog. 

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NIJC’s Mary Meg McCarthy wins public service award!

Loyola University School of Law awarded NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy with the Public Service Merit Award. This esteemed award recognizes a School of Law graduate who has shown an outstanding commitment to public service and social justice. Congratulations to Mary Meg and her commitment to ensuring immigrant rights for decades. We are fortunate to have leadership and guidance – wish her congratulations on LinkedIn!  

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Another client takes one step closer to becoming a citizen! 

Last week, this woman successfully passed her naturalization interview and exam and now awaits her oath ceremony! NIJC Legal Project Manager Trisha Teofilo Olave represented her in the interview and Pro Bono Project Coordinator Megan Lundblad helped prepare the case. Send this client and our staff members well wishes on Facebook as she embarks on the final step in her citizenship journey!

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Pro bono attorneys represent survivors of domestic violence

Last month, NIJC staff held a training for volunteer attorneys about U Visas, a special protection for survivors of domestic violence and crimes. Now that they know the ins and outs of the process and best practices for supporting survivors of domestic violence, pro bono attorneys are representing people in their U Visa cases.

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Legal community celebrates NIJC pro bono attorneys

At NIJC’s Annual Pro Bono Celebration hosted by DLA Piper, we recognized our pro bono partners who have shown unwavering commitment to defending our community members and protecting their right to access justice during an unprecedented time. Congratulations to the 2025 Rookie of the Year Award recipient Megan Manoj of Saul Ewing and the Magda Slowik Award for Professional Excellence recipient Kay Flynn of Levenfeld Pearlstein.

See photos from the Pro Bono Celebration on Instagram. 

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Thank you for a phenomenal GivingTuesday!

On GivingTuesday last week, our community showed up in a historic and powerful way. Supporters like you rallied to defend due process for our immigrant neighbors and the results were outstanding. Our final totals show donors gave more than $76,000, surpassing our goal and ensuring that NIJC can keep providing the urgent legal representation, Know Your Rights education, and rapid response support that keeps families together. 

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your donation means that when someone is illegally detained, when a family faces separation, or when a child needs protection from deportation, NIJC will be ready to defend their right to due process and their day in court.