Overview
In recent decades, federal immigration enforcement policies and practices, including increased reliance on state and local agencies for information about non-U.S. citizens, have swept an unprecedented number of people into the detention and deportation system.
The National Immigration Law Center challenges federal, state, and local enforcement policies and laws whose main targets are low-income immigrants and their families.
Why It Matters
Unjust enforcement policies have serious consequences – they rip families apart, encourage racial profiling, and undermine due process. States and localities have also enacted laws designed to make life so difficult for immigrants that they are forced to go elsewhere.
Examples of Our Work
- We file lawsuits against unjust enforcement policies, like the Trump administration’s Muslim Ban, and we challenge mistreatment of immigrants in Customs and Border Protection custody, setting standards that must be followed going forward. Read more about our Border & Asylum work.
- We advocate for federal, state, and local policies that protect immigrant communities from government overreach or abuse.
- We create resources to help community members know their rights and to bolster the work of advocates across the country.
The Door v. Edlow
This lawsuit challenges the government’s broad attempts to rush the deportation of unaccompanied children in violation of their civil rights and U.S. law.
Last update: Oct 15, 2026
Benefits for Immigrant Survivors of Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Other Serious Crimes in California
Updated Oct 6, 2026 This resource reviews the two categories of immigrants covered by California's SB 1569 (trafficking survivors and U visa applicants/holders), the benefits they may receive, and what they need to show in order to get these benefits. Originally...
Demand Congress Hold ICE Accountable
When we allow ICE to act with impunity, we are all less safe. Tell Congress to conduct rigorous oversight of ICE and take immediate steps to curb its abuse.
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