We took ICE to court for jailing young immigrants

After two weeks of trial, today NIJC is resting our case in the class action lawsuit with Kirkland & Ellis LLP challenging U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) unlawful practice of jailing young immigrants when they turn 18 in children's shelters. Read more about the lawsuit.

Check out our Twitter handle at @nijc for updates on the trial.

NIJC client advocates for a "New Way Forward"

Last week, Alejandra Cano and her NIJC attorney Kate Ramos were with Representaive Chuy García and immigrant rights colleagues from across the country introducing the New Way Forward Act, which challenges racial profiling and mass incarceration in the immigration system.

Alejandra overcame addiction and now helps others experiencing it, but even though she has a green card, she faces detention at her check-in with Customs and Border Protection this Thursday. At her last check-in appointment, dozens of community members and organizations showed up to ensure she wasn't detained.

Read more about Alejandra's story in this profile by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Marijuana still has consequences for immigrants in Illinois

While recreational use of cannabis will be legal in Illinois beginning January 1, 2020, it is still illegal at the federal level and can impact non-citizens' immigration status. Know your rights about consequences for non-citizens.

IN THE NEWS: NIJC's Diana Rashid explains more about this in the Chicago Sun-Times.

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"Remain in Mexico" continues to harm asylum seekers

The "Remain in Mexico" program is blocking individuals' access to asylum, violating due process rights, and has put 50,000 asylum seekers at risk of kidnapping, sexual violence, and murder. The United States must reclaim our role as being a leader in protecting those seeking safety and END the harmful Remain in Mexico policy now. Check out NIJC's testimony for the recent House hearing.

IN THE NEWS: NIJC's Lisa Koop talks to The Hill about representing clients who were still returned back to Mexico even after winning asylum in the U.S.

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Fernando's long journey back home

Fernando spent more than a year in immigration jail, not knowing if he'd ever be reunited with his family. It was particularly difficult to be separated from his son, who has autism and didn't understand what was happening. “The hardest thing was the separation, something I wouldn’t wish on anyone," Fernando said. Read Fernando's story on NIJC's blog.

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The difference a work permit makes

Alejandra R. is pursuing her passions through work that has a big impact on teens and immigrants in her community, and is raising her daughter fearlessly. Four years ago, before she had status and a work permit, her life was starkly different. Check out Alejandra's story on NIJC's blog.

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Join our team at NIJC!

NIJC has a lot of open positions, including our newly posted Chief Operating Officer position. We're hiring staff of all experience levels in many departments including legal staff, operations, policy, and communications. Positions open in NIJC's offices in Chicago and Indianapolis. View all jobs and apply now!

Advocates like you are making a difference

On #GivingTuesday at the beginning of this month, generous supporters like you gave enough to provide legal representation through NIJC for more than 20 asylum seekers!  

After receiving petition signatures from more than 100,000 people, including many NIJC supporters, the Department of Defense Inspector General announced it will investigate President Trump's deployment of troops to further militarize the border.

Supporters like you donated 1,000,000 United Airlines Mileage Plus miles to NIJC, allowing us bring lawyers to asylum seekers and immigrants who need them most!

Thank YOU for protecting asylum seekers, taking action, and being so generous!