Dear Friends and Allies,

This month, we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month and the contributions of the millions of immigrants who have built this nation. We also rejoice as two of those immigrants finally became citizens.

Our clients Tshering* and Alisha* came to ILCM after being denied naturalization. Because of their medical conditions, they could not satisfy the English, citizenship test, and oath requirements for naturalization. Their ILCM attorney worked tirelessly with the clients’ primary care doctor to prepare medical and oath waivers.

A few weeks ago, Tshering* and Alisha* became citizens! They can now live without fear of deportation and fully participate in their communities.

Yet, we know that citizenship—even lawful permanent residence—remains unavailable to tens of thousands of Minnesotans. This is why ILCM continues to advocate—and asks you to join us in supporting—federal efforts to create a pathway to citizenship and state proposals to maximize the rights of the undocumented.

Last week, the Senate heard the Dream and Promise Act, which would create a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status. Call your senators—and encourage your friends and family across the country to call their senators too—to vote yes for this commonsense legislation.

Here in Minnesota, the special session is not over yet, and the legislature can still make Minnesota more welcoming for immigrants and refugees by passing Driver’s Licenses For All, changing the maximum sentence for gross misdemeanors, increasing the availability of post-conviction relief, and adopting policies to support immigrant crime victims. Contact your legislators—and call, text, email, and DM your friends across Minnesota to contact their legislators too-- regarding these important bills.

Our work is possible only because of your amazing support and advocacy! Thanks to all of you who contributed to our work to support DREAMers during the Spring Forward MN drive, who joined us in our second Perspectives book event, and who took action for immigrant rights by contacting elected representatives. Your support makes a difference.

In partnership,

Temporary Protected Status Updates

More than 2,000 TPS holders live in Minnesota. They have built lives here, with U.S. citizen spouses and children, employers, churches, and communities. A pathway to citizenship will recognize this reality and protect TPS holders whose real home is now here.

You're Invited: ILCM Alumni Picnic!

Current and past ILCM volunteers, interns, staff, and board members are invited to join us at Boom Island Park, Shelter 2, on July 29, from 5:30-8pm. Families are welcome, and food will be available (both provided by ILCM and for purchase)!

We ask that unvaccinated folks wear masks.

RSVP

ILCM is 25! Let's celebrate and raise awareness

We've been supporting immigrants, refugees, and communities for 25 years, and aim to continue for decades to come. Help us raise awareness with a 25th anniversary T-shirt! And, if you can make a donation as well, we truly appreciate your financial support at this critical time.

Buy a T-Shirt!