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State and Local Immigration Project
Since 2007, CLINIC has been providing policy, engagement, and research support to advocates who are working on immigration legislation proposed and introduced at the state and local level. As efforts for immigration reform at the federal level continue to be delayed, state and local communities have been increasingly active on immigration-related matters.
For example, after the collapse of comprehensive immigration reform in 2007, approximately 500 immigration related bills were introduced by state legislators with 270 measures enacted. During the 2017 state legislative session, lawmakers in nearly all 50 states enacted more than 300 immigration-related laws within the first half of the year. The laws addressed critical immigration topics, including local police participation in federal immigration enforcement, anti-sanctuary policies in schools and local government, as well as refugee resettlement.
Through the State and Local Immigration Project, CLINIC provides legal analysis, training, technical assistance, and support to advocates working to both combat anti-immigrant legislation and ordinances, and to support pro-immigrant measures. Contact CLINIC advocacy attorneys, at advocacy@cliniclegal.org for more information.
Migration in the Community: Bishops' Statements
A collection of statements from Bishops on Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (DACA)
- USCCB Executive Committee’s statement on the administration’s DACA decision
- Catholic Bishops condemn Trump administration’s decision to rescind DACA
- California Bishops urge the administration to protect DACA youth and their families
- Bishops in Missouri call upon state and federal officials to work together to enact legislation that establish a pathway to citizenship for young undocumented immigrants
- Cardinal Cupich, Archdiocese of Chicago, responds to DACA decision by reaffirming the Churches commitment to upholding the dignity and fundamental rights of all persons
- Bishop McGrath of the Diocese of San Jose expresses disappointment with the decision to rescind DACA
- Bishops of Arizona and New Mexico urge the community to pray and advocate for protections for DACA youth
- Wisconsin Bishops call on Congress to find a legislative solution that protects DACA youth
- Indiana Bishops issue a statement of support for DACA immigrants and calls upon Congress to act responsibly to provide protection for them
Related Resources
- Why States Should Offer Unmarked Driver’s Licenses to All Residents
- Advocating for In-state Tuition for All Residents
Infographic Maps
- Access to Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Residents
- Tuition Equity Access to Higher Education for Immigrants
Additional Resources
National advocacy groups provide other resources on state and local immigration laws and policies. Below are a few resources:
- The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) discusses research and advocacy about state and local issues on its website.
- The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) tracks state legislation related to immigration.
- The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Immigration and the States Project examines the intersection of federal, state, and local immigration laws and policies.
State Immigration Enforcement
State and Local Updates
Promoting the Dignity of Immigrants with Affordable Legal Expertise
As it has for more than 30 years, CLINIC will fight for the rights of immigrants. CLINIC trains legal representatives who provide high-quality and affordable immigration legal services. We develop and sustain a network of nonprofit programs that serve close to 500,000 immigrants every year. We cultivate projects that support and defend vulnerable immigrant populations by:
- providing direct representation for asylum seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border and educating them about their rights;
- reuniting formerly separated families;
- increasing legal representation for those in removal proceedings and in detention;
- providing public education on immigration law and policies; and
- advocating for fair and just immigration policies that acknowledge the inherent dignity and value of all people.
History has taught us that people who step up can make a difference. We hope you will join us.
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About the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
Embracing the Gospel value of welcoming the stranger, CLINIC promotes the dignity and protects the rights of immigrants in partnership with a dedicated network of Catholic and community legal immigration programs. We are based out of Silver Spring, Maryland (Washington, D.C. metropolitan area), with an office in Oakland, California, and additional staff working from locations throughout the country. Questions and inquiries can be sent to national@cliniclegal.org.
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