Pushing Back Protection

Today, we released a new report with FWD.us exposing how the United States and other nations prevent asylum seekers and migrants from reaching our shores, and why we must respect the human right to asylum. Read the report --> Pushing Back Protection: How Offshoring and Externalization Imperil the Right to Asylum

New Illinois law ends immigrant detention

Yesterday, Governor Pritzker signed the Illinois Way Forward Act into law. This groundbreaking law ends local detention contracts and other cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as strengthens access to protection for immigrant survivors of domestic violence and other crimes. NIJC is proud to be a part of the Campaign for a Welcoming Illinois, which has fought for years for this victory. Now, we urge ICE to release the people it currently detains in Illinois so they can reunite with their loved ones. See our statement on this victory.

Victory: Maura is free!

After two years of needless detention, Maura is reunited with her community and can be with her loved ones and pursue her passions. Maura is a transgender woman who escaped violence and abuse in Mexico and is seeking safety in the United States. Thank you to Maura’s attorneys, the #FreeMaura coalition, and activists who helped restore her freedom. We celebrate her resilience and continue to fight to end the detention of trans people.

IN THE NEWS: Read more about Maura's story and the global campaign for her freedom.

Biden doubles down on expedited deportations and unlawful expulsions

We strongly condemn the administration’s continued use of expedited removal and unlawful expulsions under Title 42, which effectively shuts the border to nearly all asylum seekers under false public health pretenses. These policies have blocked asylum seekers from seeking safety, separated families, and caused immeasurable harm. See more.

Detention population increases 80%+ under President Biden

The number of people ICE locks up in immigrant detention is increasing at an alarming rate, up by more than 80% since January -- on the cusp of DOUBLING under President Biden. As of July 26, 2021, there were 27,670 people in ICE detention. NIJC is posting the latest numbers on our social media accounts to keep the administration accountable and demand that it release people immediately. Share on your networks using the icons below to join the call to #FreeThemAll!

EVENT: 5K for Immigrant Justice

Join us for the third annual NIJC 5K for Immigrant Justice (virtual AND in person options) to support immigrant rights and fund life-changing legal services! Race week is Saturday, August 28 - Friday, September 3 and the in person race is on Saturday, August 28 in Goshen, Indiana. Register now!

5K Run/Walk/Roll for Immigrant Justice
In person:
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Ox Bow County Park, Goshen, IN
10AM ET
Virtual:
Saturday, August 28, 2021 - Friday, September 3, 2021
Your favorite trail or route near you
Register now: bit.ly/nijc5k2021

EVENT: Justice & Java - What Has Changed With Immigration Under President Biden?

Join NIJC for our next Justice & Java virtual event next Tuesday where we'll discuss the changes in immigration policies under the Biden administration. Our top experts will give updates on asylum policies, DACA, legalization efforts, and ongoing litigation. Register now!

Speakers:
Lisa Koop, Associate Director of Legal Services
Trisha Teofilo Olave, Sr. Legal Supervisor
Vanessa Esparza-Lopez, Managing Attorney
Nayna Gupta, Associate Director of Policy
Keren Zwick, Director of Litigation

What Has Changed With Immigration Under President Biden?
August 10, 2021
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. CT
virtual via webinar
Sign up to get log in info: https://bit.ly/jj81021

NIJC is hiring!

Are you interested in advocating for humane immigration policies and providing life-changing legal services for immigrants and asylum seekers? If so, apply to join our team! We are hiring for positions at a variety of experience levels and in nearly all projects. Check out the job descriptions and apply now!