Defense of Democracy’s Post

At California DOJ, we’ll continue to fight to protect the immigrant communities that make our state, and nation, great. Learn how we are protecting immigrant rights and more in this week's edition of the DOJ Weekly Update. https://lnkd.in/gHymjAZu

Here's the latest op ed from Carol Cleaveland and me about women and the US asylum system. Our book, Private Violence, comes out next week!!

Deportation of children during armed conflicts - the role of local and regional authorities in supporting reintegration 🇫🇷 Une version en français de ce post est disponible ci-dessous/dans un autre post LinkedIn d'aujourd'hui.   🇬🇧 A French version of this post is available in today’s other LinkedIn post   🇬🇧 At the recent HELP conference to launch the course " Deportation of Children during Armed Conflicts", a statement by Olena Rozvadovska stood out: "An individual approach to each child is essential, but common themes emerge." Referring to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, she reminded us that for these children, even the most basic needs, such as shelter and personal space, may go unmet.   I've immediately started to think that local and regional authorities have a unique role to play here. Beyond immediate needs, they are in a position to provide long-term solutions through housing support, community reintegration and specialised social services. By tackling key challenges systematically - drawing on shared knowledge and best practice - local and regional authorities can create a framework that adapts to individual cases while tackling common barriers.   As an advocate of harnessing the resources and expertise of local and regional authorities, I see immense potential for the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Such a participation can strengthen efforts to support children's reintegration into society and ensure that every returned child has access to a safe and nurturing environment. #CoEHELP #HumanRights #LegalEducation #HELPProgramme #CoE #ECtHR #HumanRights #LocalGovernance #CouncilofEurope #HumanRightsTraining #LocalAuthorities Council of Europe Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe Human Rights and the Rule of Law Ana-Maria Telbis

In my latest piece for The Nation, I spoke to undocumented youth who aren't able to/don't have DACA about their lives and why the policy desperately needs to be expanded. Thank you, Felecia, Russell, EdD at Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration for your expertise on the issue and its solutions! Read Here: https://lnkd.in/gBb5yGYX

ICYMI, just last week the New York Times published this distressing article about plans being led by right-wing extremists to ban undocumented immigrant children  from attending public schools.   Denying any child access to education isn’t just morally wrong and downright repulsive —access to education is a vital pathway out of poverty, and crucial to a functioning, inclusive democracy and civic society, each of which is core to @NILC’s mission. NILC has been monitoring potential threats to education and preparing for the possibility that extremists will try to reverse Plyler v. Doe, the Supreme Court decision holding that it is unconstitutional for a state to deny a public education to students based on their immigration status. Last May, we launched  our Education for All campaign,  aimed at protecting access to K-12 public education for every child in the U.S. Our campaign, involving over 40 committed partners to date, is both affirmative and defensive: not only are we working with key partners like the National Education Association to identify and defeat any efforts to undermine children’s access to education; we are also looking at opportunities to advance and embed these rights in progressive states, including my home state of Connecticut.    We refuse to let extremist politicians or organizations like the Heritage Foundation punish children so severely and try to deny them a basic right to a  public education. We remain undeterred as we continue building a powerful, broad movement to ensure that every child in the U.S. — no matter where they were born — continues to have the right to learn, grow, and succeed.

🚨 New NPR Report: Mississippi Communities Scarred by ICE Raids Fear Future Under Trump 🚨 A powerful story from NPR highlights the lasting trauma experienced by Mississippi communities hit by ICE raids, and the fears these residents face about what the future holds under shifting immigration policies. The 2019 raids tore apart families, leaving deep scars that continue to affect children, workers, and their neighborhoods. https://n.pr/3ZvQBDZ As we reflect on this impactful article, it's crucial to remember that ICE raids have devastating consequences for students and schools. Families are torn apart, and children are left to cope with fear, uncertainty, and trauma. 📊 To help educators support their students, we’ve created an informative infographic for schools on ICE raids and their effects on education. Learn how to help students impacted by these raids and create a safer environment in your school. 🔗 Check out our infographic here: https://idra.news/igHelp Let’s raise awareness and support our communities in these challenging times. 🙏 #ImmigrationRights #ICEraids #EducationEquity #SupportStudents #FamilyUnity

🎧 Are you a teacher in immigration studies? Want to inspire engaging conversations in the fall semester? Episodes from Borders & Belonging will give students innovative takes to learn and reflect on the most pressing issues in the areas of migration advocacy, policy and research. Add Borders & Belonging season 2 to your fall syllabus: https://lnkd.in/gaYTDA9z

🎧 Are you a teacher in immigration studies? Want to inspire engaging conversations in the fall semester? Episodes from Borders & Belonging will give students innovative takes to learn and reflect on the most pressing issues in the areas of migration advocacy, policy and research. Add Borders & Belonging season 2 to your fall syllabus: https://lnkd.in/gaYTDA9z

From American Bar Association Commission on Immigration: "Check out our latest video that breaks down the Biden Administration's recent actions to benefit mixed-status families and provide visas to those who graduated from U.S. colleges and universities. Visit the link for more information on who may be eligible, how to prepare, and the potential impact these executive actions will have on qualifying immigrants. Remember, there is no application process available yet! Speak to a qualified immigration attorney or DOJ Accredited Representative if you have questions. More details will become available over the next few months."

New protections for some noncitizen spouses and Dreamers have been announced, but it is NOT possible to apply for these programs yet. Learn more from American Immigration Lawyers Association President Kelli Stump and talk to a qualified immigration attorney if you have questions: https://lnkd.in/ggrm2fi4 #immigrationlaw #DACA #paroleinplace