CENTER FOR

IMMIGRANT JUSTICE

Prof. Randi Mandelbaum Comments on Denials And Delays of Special Juvenile Status Applications

Reuters reported on the increased rejections of applications and delays in the processing of applications filed by immigrant youths under the Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) program. Under SIJ, immigrant youths (defined as those who are below 21 years old) may submit an application for permanent residency if they have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by a parent. As CILPJ affiliate faculty and Child Advocacy Clinic Director, Prof. Randi Mandelbaum explained, the law requires the administration to process these applications within six months.  Yet, she has cases that have lingered for over a year. Here’s the rest of the story.

More info
Citizenship

The US is Violating an American’s Right to Return

Recently, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has refused to allow an American,  Hoda Muthana, to come back to the United States.  In so doing, CILPJ Director Prof. Rose Cuison Villazor argues that Secretary of State Pompeo has violated one of the most important rights of citizenship —the right to return to the United States. Here’s her op-ed on this issue.

More info
Citizenship DACA Sanctuary

New Jersey Bar Association Foundation’s Special Immigration Edition

The New Jersey Bar Association Foundation issued a Special Immigration Edition on various contemporary immigration issues. It includes discussions of President Trump’s rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the NJ State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal’s Immigrant Trust Directive, and the proposal to include  citizenship in the U.S. Census.  The articles include quotes from CILPJ Director Rose Cuison Villazor and affiliate faculty Professor Alan Hyde.    

More info
DREAMERS Immigrants' Rights

Op-Ed by Chancellor Nancy Cantor and RU Dreamer Esder Chong on Allowing Young Undocumented Immigrants to Get Drivers Licenses

The President of RU Dreamers, Esder Chong, and Chancellor of Rutgers University, Newark, Nancy Cantor, wrote a compelling op-ed, advocating for the State of New Jersey to allow young undocumented immigrants to be able to apply for drivers licenses.  As they wrote, “This is not the time to slow down on opening up access to education and opportunity to young immigrants. Instead, let’s speed up to allow all qualified residents to access a driver’s license regardless of immigration status. These students are our next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and change-makers who deserve a fair chance to pursue their educational […]

More info