National Immigration Law Center

National Immigration Law Center is a United States-based organization that focuses on immigration law and immigrant rights, working closely with American Civil Liberties Union, Southern Poverty Law Center, and Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. The organization was founded in 1979 by Carolyn Patty Blum and Alan Exelrod, with the goal of protecting the rights of low-income immigrants and promoting social justice through advocacy and litigation, often collaborating with National Council of La Raza, League of United Latin American Citizens, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice. The center has worked on various high-profile cases, including Plyler v. Doe, a landmark Supreme Court of the United States decision that granted undocumented immigrant children the right to a public education, with support from American Immigration Lawyers Association, National Immigration Project, and Immigrant Defense Project. The organization has also partnered with National Association of Social Workers, American Psychological Association, and American Medical Association to address the mental health and well-being of immigrant families.

● History

The National Immigration Law Center has a long history of advocating for immigrant rights, dating back to its founding in 1979 by Carolyn Patty Blum and Alan Exelrod, who were inspired by the work of César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, and Martin Luther King Jr.. The organization has worked on various notable cases, including Hoffman Plastic Compounds, Inc. v. NLRB, a Supreme Court of the United States decision that addressed the rights of undocumented workers under the National Labor Relations Act, with support from AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union, and United Farm Workers. The center has also been involved in immigration reform efforts, including the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, working closely with United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, and White House. The organization has received funding from various sources, including the Ford Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Open Society Foundations, and has partnered with National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and Service Employees International Union to promote educational equity and worker rights.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of the National Immigration Law Center is to protect and promote the rights of low-income immigrants and their families, with a focus on access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunity, often collaborating with Children's Defense Fund, National Health Law Program, and Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The organization's objectives include advancing immigrant rights through advocacy and litigation, providing technical assistance and training to community-based organizations, and promoting policy reform at the local, state, and federal levels, working closely with National Conference of State Legislatures, United States Conference of Mayors, and National League of Cities. The center also seeks to address the root causes of migration, including poverty, violence, and lack of opportunity, by supporting sustainable development and human rights initiatives in countries of origin, such as Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, in partnership with United Nations, World Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank.

● Advocacy_and_Litigation

The National Immigration Law Center engages in advocacy and litigation to advance the rights of immigrant communities, often working with American Civil Liberties Union, Southern Poverty Law Center, and Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. The organization has been involved in various high-profile cases, including United States v. Arizona, a Supreme Court of the United States decision that addressed the constitutionality of Arizona SB 1070, a state law that aimed to restrict immigration, with support from National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, League of United Latin American Citizens, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice. The center has also advocated for DACA and Temporary Protected Status recipients, working closely with United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, and White House, and has partnered with National Immigration Project, Immigrant Defense Project, and Refugee Council USA to promote immigrant justice and human rights.

● Policy_and_Research

The National Immigration Law Center conducts research and analysis on immigration policy and its impact on immigrant communities, often collaborating with Urban Institute, Brookings Institution, and Center for American Progress. The organization has published reports on topics such as access to healthcare for undocumented immigrants, the economic benefits of immigration reform, and the impact of immigration enforcement on families and communities, with support from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Annie E. Casey Foundation. The center also provides technical assistance and training to policymakers, community-based organizations, and advocates on immigration policy and best practices, working closely with National Conference of State Legislatures, United States Conference of Mayors, and National League of Cities.

● Community_Engagement_and_Outreach

The National Immigration Law Center engages in community outreach and education to promote immigrant rights and empowerment, often partnering with community-based organizations, faith-based groups, and labor unions, such as Service Employees International Union, United Farm Workers, and National Council of La Raza. The organization provides resources and support to immigrant families and individuals, including know-your-rights trainings, legal assistance, and referrals to social services, with support from Catholic Charities USA, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and Church World Service. The center also builds coalitions and partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders to advance immigrant justice and human rights, working closely with American Immigration Lawyers Association, National Immigration Project, and Refugee Council USA. Category:Immigration