News & Updates
For Immediate Release: July 25, 2019 – Expansion of Expedited Removal Erodes Due Process and Creates Increased Barriers for Vulnerable Survivors ASISTA denounces the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) plan to expand its ability to fast-track deportation procedures that would leave thousands, including immigrant survivors of crime, vulnerable to deportation without critical due process protections.
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ASISTA and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recently published a new in-depth practice advisory that contains updates in policy and survivor-based advocacy strategies for U visa applicants at different stages of removal proceedings. This includes strategies for helping U visa applicants with final or prior orders of removal, those currently in removal proceedings, and…
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ASISTA has prepared a brief advisory to address the recent trends regarding adjudication of I-539 extensions for U nonimmigrants. Practitioners report that USCIS is issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs asking for proof that the applicant had a valid passport at the time of filing. This advisory contains practice…
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ASISTA condemns the Administration’s plans for mass raids, now slated to start this Sunday. These mass immigration enforcement actions create immense fear in communities nationwide. For immigrant survivors of violence, these raids exacerbate the trauma and fear they already endure because of the abuse they have experienced. Advocates can help address this fear by providing…
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Last week, the Administration announced that they would delay the mass raids scheduled for last week. Even though these actions have been briefly delayed, the announcement of these mass immigration enforcement actions created immense fear nationwide. For immigrant survivors of violence, this news exacerbates the trauma and fear they already endure because of the abuse they…
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Only 13 days left to get your ASISTA T-shirt or Sweatshirt soWE NEED YOUR HELP! Buy our incredible T-shirts! They make a GREAT gift for your staff, friends, family, neighbors…anyone! ORDER NOW:https://www.customink.com/fundraising/tshirtasista2019 If you already purchased your t-shirt, post a pic in your ASISTA t-shirt on Facebook or Twitter, tag ASISTA.
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On June 5, 2019, USCIS published another notice and opportunity for comment on their proposed fee waiver changes. These changes were initially proposed in September 2018, and later addressed in a second opportunity for comment in April 2019. This third notice provides additional details regarding USCIS’ rationale for adjusting the fee waiver form and practices. …
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On May 29, 2019, ASISTA and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) sent a letter to USCIS leadership expressing concern that the two-month grace period to transition to the new Form I-918 would cause hardship to survivors, advocates, and law enforcement agencies. On Friday, June 21, 2019, USCIS updated the I-918 Form website, so that information regarding the edition…
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In May and June of 2019, some practitioners have reported that USCIS issued a number of NTAs in connection with denied U and T visa applications. Given these reports, ASISTA in conjunction with CAST, Freedom Network USA, American Association of Immigration Lawyers (AILA), Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles created…
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On May 29, 2019 AILA and ASISTA sent a letter to USCIS leadership as well as the CIS Ombudsman expressing concern that the two-month grace period to transition to the new Form I-918 is insufficient as it will cause hardship to survivors, advocates, as well as law enforcement agencies. Read the letter here.
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Help Support ASISTA by wearing this INCREDIBLE t-shirt or sweatshirt that shows our solidarity and your support of immigrants! Buy one for yourself, your family, friends, and colleagues. Campaign ends May 31st so make sure to order one here as soon as you can.
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On February 15, 2019 the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a proposed form for notice and comment to collect information from the general public regarding purported immigration fraud. At ASISTA, we are particularly concerned about this Fraud Tip form as it represents another tool for abusers and perpetrators of crime to…
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In this month’s “newsletter” we share strategies for addressing and challenging the latest, myriad attacks on immigrant crime survivors seeking secure status and defending against deportation, including a new advocacy project we hope you will join. Come discuss these and other emerging hot topics at one of our Spring pre-conference all-day CLE trainings! Check it…
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He’s an employer, father, husband, and community member. Why is ICE threatening to deport this man? Read more here.
Read Moreby Cecelia Friedman Levin, Senior Policy Counsel I just returned from volunteering with the Border Rights Project at Al Otro Lado in Tijuana, Mexico. At the end of each day, volunteers often shared their “highs and lows” of what they experienced during the day. In that spirit, I share my own. Lows: The inhumane, unlawful and shameful treatment…
Read MoreASISTA drafted a short practice update on the newly published Form I-539 and I-539A. Read more about the grace period and the new biometrics requirements here.
Read MoreASISTA is collecting stories where fee waivers for applications related to VAWA self-petitions, U visas, T visas, SIJS and other humanitarian protections have been denied, including motions to reopen/reconsider and appeals. This is the first in a series of data collection tools ASISTA is releasing to strengthen our advocacy efforts and to demonstrate the numerous…
Read MoreRead our new publication on fee waiver requests or contesting denials.
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ASISTA and NOW Submit Opposition to USCIS Tip Form
On April 16, 2019, ASISTA and the National Organization for Women (NOW) submitted a comment in opposition to the proposed USCIS Tip Form, as the form would be a tool for abusers and perpetrators of crime to weaponize the immigration system against survivors, with impunity. Read our comment here.
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