Right to Counsel
We believe fair access to legal counsel in immigration courts is integral to a fair and just system. Our research shows stark disparities in representation rates, with only 37% of immigrants overall–and just 14% of detained immigrants–securing legal representation. Discover more about how we’re working to address this issue.
Department Of Justice Urges Immigration Courts to Help Make Pro Bono Representation Easier
Research has long shown that access to a lawyer is one of the most important factors that determines whether an immigrant in removal proceedings will be able to remain in the United States. A new policy from the Biden administration is aimed to increase access to counsel by making… Read More
Council Sues to Press for Records About the Treatment of Black Immigrants in Detention
This FOIA suit seeks to compel ICE to release information about conditions, treatment, and outcomes in eight immigration detention facilities in the U.S. South. Read More
Council Advocates for Meaningful Access to Legal Representation in Immigration Detention
The American Immigration Council and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) advocated for attorney access in immigration detention facilities in a letter sent a letter to DHS and ICE. Read More
New Illinois Law Allows Public Defenders to Represent Immigrants Facing Deportation
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a law in August that would allow the Cook County Public Defender to represent immigrants in the Chicago immigration court. The law is part of a movement to expand access to legal representation for people facing deportation. It comes on the heels of… Read More
130+ Groups Release Top Five Immigration Priorities for Biden Administration’s Next Budget
As the Biden administration begins crafting next year's budget, 131 organizations published a statement for the Biden administration outlining the top immigration priorities that must be included in the country’s budget for Fiscal Year 2023. Read More
Coalition Outlines Immigration Priorities for a Just Budget in Fiscal Year 2023
The Council and more than 130 organizations urged the Biden administration to redirect government funding for fiscal year 2023 away from draconian enforcement measures and invest in legal services and community-based programming. Read More
Coalition Letter Expresses Concerns About the Housing of Support Services Within ICE
The Council responded to ICE's Request for Information for a National Case Management Program, expressing concern that ICE's management of the program would be a conflict of interest. Read More
Coalition Letter Expresses Concerns About Proposed Expedited Asylum Process
The Council expressed concerns about the Biden administration's plans for a new type of expedited asylum proceedings. Read More
Coalition Letter Urges Biden Administration to End Migrant Protection Protocols
The Council urged the Biden administration to improve MPP wind down processing and toy move ahead with a second phase to include all individuals subjected to MPP. Read More
Survey of Hundreds of Organizations Shows Extent of Community-Based Support for People Navigating the U.S. Immigration System
A new publication provides a snapshot of the extent of available services that help migrants navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. Read More
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