ANNOUNCEMENTS / NEWS

Federal Judge Certifies Class Action Asserting Right to Counsel for Immigrant Detainees with Mental Disabilities: In a huge victory on behalf of unrepresented mentally disabled immigrants held in immigration detention facilities, a federal judge has ruled that NWIRP and partners, are assigned to represent the detainees as a class. "We can now focus on fighting for the right to counsel so that they receive a fair hearing." said Matt Adams, Legal Director for Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. Read the press release.

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project & Partners Target “Asylum Clock” in Class Action Lawsuit: Following widespread problems with the "asylum clock" (the system gov't agencies use to determine when asylum seeking immigrants can apply for employment authorization), NWIRP and partners filed a class action lawsuit. "Too many people are left in abject poverty for months and sometimes years, while waiting for their asylum application to be resolved." Read the press release.

Minor Changes to "Secure Communities" Do Not Address Inherent Problems with the Program: NWIRP again voiced its strong opposition to the so-called “Secure Communities” program of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite the changes announced by ICE last week. NWIRP continues to call on state and county officials in Washington State to oppose this program, which will inject local law enforcement officials into immigration enforcement. Read the press release.