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Appellate Court Finds California’s Private Prison Ban Is Likely Unconstitutional
An appellate court recently ruled that California’s state law banning private prisons—including immigration detention centers—is likely unconstitutional. The decision is a significant blow to advocates fighting to end immigration detention in California and nationwide. In its September 26 decision, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the law in question, AB 32, […]
Read MoreUnpacking the Migrant Shooting in Texas
Late last week, detention center warden Michael Sheppard and his twin brother Mark Sheppard were arrested after allegedly shooting into a group of 13 migrants, killing one and seriously injuring another. This incident is yet another example of a tragic outcome for migrants at the border. It was followed the next day by another migrant […]
Read MoreHispanics in the US: What the Data Reveals About Shifting Geography, Ancestry, and Voting Patterns
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we look at the most recent Census and data to highlight the importance of Hispanics in the United States. For those wondering why Hispanic Heritage Month starts mid-month rather than on the first of September, the Month starts on September 15, coinciding with the independence days of several Latin American countries. […]
Read MoreImmigration Status Will No Longer Be a Barrier for Aspiring Lawyers in New Mexico
Written by American Immigration Council staff Leani García Torres and Raul Pinto The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative provides certain young, undocumented immigrants with a renewable two-year work permit. However, this work permit does not always mean DACA recipients can go into the profession of their choice. Certain professions, like practicing law, medicine, […]
Read MoreVictory as Groups Settle Lawsuit on Unlawful Detention of Unaccompanied Youth
A federal court approved a settlement agreement in a lawsuit challenging the unlawful detention of unaccompanied children who turn 18 in U.S. government custody and are transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facilities.
Read MoreFact Check: Migrants Aren’t the Ones Smuggling Fentanyl Into the United States
There is no doubt that fentanyl is a major problem inside the United States. Over the last decade, rising availability of fentanyl has caused a spike in overdose deaths across the nation. In 2021, almost 90% of opioid overdose deaths were linked to fentanyl. The criminal networks that produce and distribute fentanyl are vast and […]
Read MoreAmerican Immigration Council Hosts New American Fellows Showcase in Brooklyn to Highlight Immigrant Voices and Advocacy
The American Immigration Council will host the New American Fellows Showcase to amplify advocacy and immigrant voices.
Read MoreSikh Asylum Seekers in Arizona Face Religious Discrimination by the Border Patrol
Border Patrol agents in Arizona have been confiscating and not returning the turbans worn by Sikh asylum seekers as part of their religion. Immigrant advocates and members of Congress have pointed out that this practice is discriminatory and violates federal law, as well as the policies of the Border Patrol’s parent agency, U.S. Customs and […]
Read MoreJudge Rules Turnback Policy Illegal, Government Must End Practice
On Friday, August 5, a district court judge ruled that the government’s turnback policy is illegal. The Council and partners called upon the Biden administration to heed the court’s ruling, end the turnback policy, and work toward restoring a fair, humane, and orderly asylum process at the southern border.
Read MoreUpdated ICE Directive Fails to Deliver Meaningful Protections for Immigrant Families
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently announced a new directive aimed at preserving family unity and the parental rights of noncitizens. The directive, “Interests of Noncitizen Parents and Legal Guardians of Minor Children or Incapacitated Adults,” went into effect on July 14. Though media outlets have lauded the policy as a way to end […]
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