Solidarity with Asian American communities

The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) stands in solidarity with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities across the nation who have endured racism in this country for centuries and, over the past year, have been the frequent targets of violent hate crimes. Our hearts go out to the community in Atlanta now mourning the deaths of eight people, including six Asian American women. See NIJC's statement of solidarity with Asian American communities against white supremacist violence.

We need bold and inclusive protections for immigrants

The Dream and Promise Act, which passed in the House last Thursday, will provide long overdue protections to many immigrants in our communities — including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. Disappointingly, the legislation also contains harmful criminalization bars that will exclude many immigrants. We need bold and inclusive legislation that leaves no one behind. Check out our Twitter thread applauding the representatives who stood against these exclusions.

Time to cut the contracts and end detention

NIJC released a new policy brief, Cut the Contracts: It's Time to End ICE's Corrupt Detention Management System, which updates our research on ICE's immigrant detention contracting and inspection system. The policy brief highlights the first ten detention centers Detention Watch Network is calling on the Biden administration to shut down as part of the Communities Not Cages campaign. We urge the Biden administration to shut down detention centers immediately and end detention contracts.

U.S. continues unlawful expulsions of asylum seekers in the name of public health

The Biden administration has continued Trump's shameful expulsions of asylum seekers at the border through baseless public health measures that perpetuate racist stereotypes about migrants. We have joined 100 other organizations to call on President Biden to end Title 42. Check out our new FAQ to learn more about the continued expulsions under Title 42.

 

Your questions answered: Remain in Mexico

We've compiled the most frequently asked questions about the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), also known as Remain in Mexico. Check out this FAQ for communities and service providers in English and Spanish.

New memo ends harmful info-sharing agreement

We applaud the memo rescinding the harmful 2018 info-sharing agreement between Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Homeland Security that resulted in the arrest and deportation of unaccompanied children’s relatives who came forward to seek their release from HHS custody. This termination must be the first step toward reinforcing a robust firewall between immigration enforcement and the care of unaccompanied children. Read our full statement here.

Event recording: A New Era for Protecting the Right to Asylum

The U.S. asylum system has suffered numerous damaging attacks in recent years, and by the end of 2020, it was nearly impossible for many people seeking safety to access and win asylum. Transition to the Biden administration brought a frenzy of changes and opportunities to protect the right to asylum. Watch our recent presentation to get you up to speed on what is happening now with asylum and how you can help advocate for people fleeing persecution.

Virtual event: From Local to Federal - Moving Immigration Policy in Our Communities

Tuesday, April 6, 2021
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CT
Online via webinar
Sign up to participate: https://bit.ly/pc4621

We can have a big impact in our local communities by working to make them more welcoming for everyone. Residents and organizations in Illinois have taken a stand to defend our families and neighbors against the xenophobic immigration enforcement system. Join NIJC's policy team to hear more about how both the Welcoming City Ordinance and New Way Forward Act in Illinois are steps toward building an immigration system that rejects racial oppression, ends mass incarceration, and protects due process and the rights of immigrants in our communities. We will also highlight ways that the model used in Chicago applies in other local and state campaigns to stop the expansion of immigration detention. Sign up now to get log in info.

Save the date: 22nd Annual NIJC Human Rights Awards

Tuesday, June 8, 2021
5:00 p.m. CT
Virtual

SAVE THE DATE for the 22nd Annual NIJC Human Rights Awards virtual event on June 8, 2021! Once again, immigrant rights supporters from around the globe will gather to honor human rights champions and celebrate the contributions of business, civic, and community leaders. We'll have inspiring speakers—including current and former NIJC clients—performances, and more. More info at www.immigrantjustice.org/humanrightsawards