Center for Immigrant Rights
“Pray for the DREAM” Events
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Justice for Immigrants (JFI) Campaign will be holding its “Pray for the DREAM” events from September 18th through October 9th. Dioceses, parishes and other faith groups will be planning events and/or incorporating petitions, homilies, and prayers into the Sunday Masses in support of DREAM Act eligible students and youth.
Secure Communities
Throughout the month of August, the Task Force on Secure Communities held a series of four public meetings in Dallas, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; and Arlington, VA. CLINIC staff and/or affiliates were in attendance at each, and many who were not able to attend a Task Force meeting shared their concerns in response to the call for public comments. The Task Force is expected to release its report and recommendations by the end of September.
DHS
On August 18, 2011, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) held a telephonic meeting announcing the process for exercising prosecutorial discretion in the 300,000 immigration removal cases currently pending in the United States.
Introduction to Immigration Consequences of Crimes
Date: Tuesday Nov 15, 2011 (8:30pm) to Wednesday Nov 16, 2011 (5:00pm)
Introduction to Immigration Consequences of Crimes
Co-Sponsored by
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), and
Catholic Charities of Portland
November 15 - 16, 2011
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Day One
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Day Two
Location:
*Please note that times are listed for the event's local timezone.
CLINIC Letter to Secure Communities Task Force
CLINIC offers our faith-based perspective to recommend improvements to the Secure Communities program.
DHS and DOJ 's August 18, 2011 Announcement on Prosecutiorial Discretion: What It May Mean for Your Client
On August 18th, the Obama administration's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that they will review all cases that are in removal proceedings in order to prioritize those involving individuals who have committed crimes or are identified as potential security risks. This is not a new amnesty program. This is not a benefit for which an application can be submitted. Instead, it clarifies how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton's June 17, 2011 prosecutorial discretion memo will be implemented. DHS and DOJ together will conduct a thorough review to ensure that cases in removal proceedings meet the "high priority" standard as described in the June 17 memo. DOJ and DHS intend to ensure that new cases placed in removal proceedings will similarly meet the priorities for removal.
The announcement indicates that cases at all stages, including those before immigration judges, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal circuit courts of appeal will be reviewed. It is estimated that 300,000 cases will be examined in this process.
A Tool Kit for Communities to Advocate Against ICE Partnerships with Local Law Enforcement Agencies
This tool kit provides an overview of the Criminal Alien Program, the Secure Communities Program, and the 287(g) Program. It also recommends strategies to advocate against the implementation and halt the continuation of these programs in communities.
