NIJC letter in New York Times urges protection for children at the border 

The New York Times published a letter to the editor by NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy and President of RAICES Jonathan Ryan. They highlight how children coming to our southern border are fleeing danger and that we, as a country, need to address the root causes of these children being forced to leave their homes while providing them appropriate care, as well as immigration legal services. Read the letter in The New York Times (scroll down to second letter).

People in detention speak out and demand freedom

Several people suffering serious medical neglect and inhumane conditions in immigration jail in Illinois and Wisconsin filed a civil rights complaint urging an investigation and requesting their release. Their NIJC attorneys, Ruben Loyo and Lisa Chun, spoke to WBEZ about the grave situation. We call on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release these individuals immediately. Read the story in WBEZ Chicago.

New policy brief: Ending Mandatory Detention

Each year, ICE detains more than 100,000 immigrants. This policy brief describes the harms and racial injustices that have resulted from U.S. laws requiring the detention of certain categories of individuals based on past involvement in the criminal legal systems, as well as recommendations for steps Congress can take to address these injustices. See the policy brief about ending mandatory detention.

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

Residents and organizations in Illinois and other states have taken a stand to defend our families and neighbors against the xenophobic immigration enforcement system. In our latest Policy Corner virtual event, we talked about how legislation in Illinois is protecting residents and creating a more welcoming environment, and how other localities and states are applying the model used in Chicago. Watch the recording.

Register now! 22nd Annual Human Rights Awards virtual event

Free registration is now open 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. This year's awardees are Allstate, community activist Johannes Favi, and attorney Sara Ghadiri of Chapman and Cutler LLP. Plus, Emmy-Award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa will moderate a panel discussion with NIJC clients, Ella, Gabriela, and Samer. RSVP now at: www.immigrantjustice.org/humanrightsawards.