U.S. Supreme Court to Decide if Federal Health Agency Staff Can Be Sued for Medical Neglect in Immigration Detention
The U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments today in a case that will determine whether immigrants who suffer egregious medical mistreatment while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can seek punitive damages.
Immigrant Rights Organizations Ask U.S. Attorney General to Overturn Immigration Agency's Denial of Asylum for Youth Who Fled Gangs in El Salvador
Letter Signed by 17 Groups Challenges “Social Visibility” Requirement
Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center and 16 immigrant rights organizations across the country have asked U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to review a high-profile immigration agency decision that denied asylum to three young siblings fleeing gang recruitment in El Salvador.
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U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Access to Federal Courts for Immigrants Facing Deportation
Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center welcomes today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling preserving the right to judicial review for immigrants facing deportation. Read more...
President Obama, Congress Must Hold ICE Accountable for Cover-Up in Immigration Detention Deaths
Following reports in The New York Times that U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials hid evidence of medical neglect that led to detainee deaths in the immigration detention system, Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center calls on President Obama and Congress to take immediate, concrete steps to improve transparency and ensure humane conditions within the detention system.
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Chicago City Council Speaks Out for Equal Rights for LGBT Immigrants
Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center applauds members of the Chicago City Council for passing a resolution today in favor of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), federal legislation that would extend immigration benefits to same-sex partners of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. Read more...
New ICE Guidelines Favor Release of Asylum Seekers with Credible Fear of Persecution
Latest Detention Reform Is a Significant Step toward Restoring Human Rights for Immigrants; Further Changes Needed
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued new policy guidelines today favoring the release of detained asylum seekers who show a credible fear of persecution and do not pose a danger to the community or a flight risk.
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Seventh Circuit Rules that Former Gang Membership Can Constitute A "Particular Social Group" Under Asylum Law
Case Highlights Importance of Judicial Review in Upholding U.S. Human Rights Obligations
The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals of the Seventh Circuit has ruled that a former member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang in El Salvador, who applied for asylum in the United States because he fears he will be persecuted for leaving the gang if he returns to his native country, is a member of a “particular social group,” a key requirement to obtain protection in the United States. Read more...
Rep. Luis Gutierrez Introduces Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill
CIR ASAP Act Includes Important Due Process and Human Rights Protections
Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center welcomes the introduction of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity (CIR ASAP) Act of 2009 by U.S. Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL). Rep. Gutierrez and the bill’s 89 co-sponsors are commended for recognizing the urgent need for humane immigration reform. Read more...




