AILF Legal Action Center

Last updated May 07, 2008

AILF's Legal Action Center engages in impact litigation to protect and advance the rights of noncitizens. The LAC frequently submits briefs as amicus curiae (friend of the court) before administrative tribunals and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and files affirmative lawsuits in limited circumstances.

LAC Litigation:

LAC Affirmative Lawsuits

Lawsuit on Visa Bulletin, Adjustment of Status
The class action lawsuit, which we prepared but ultimately did not have to file, argued that the government must comply with its own regulations and policies and accept the "green card" applications of tens of thousands of intending immigrants.

Challenge to DHS' Refusal to Follow Perez-Gonzalez Decision: Duran-Gonzalez v. DHS
This class action lawsuit challenges the Department of Homeland Security's willful refusal to follow the precedent I-212 decision of the Ninth Circuit in Perez-Gonzalez v. Ashcroft.

DOL Agrees to Reopen BEC Cases
AILF’s credible threat to sue the U.S. Department of Labor has caused the DOL to agree to reopen Backlog Elimination Center (BEC) cases erroneously closed for alleged failure to respond to a 45-day letter. 30- DAY DEADLINE FOR RESPONDING!

Asylee Adjustment: Ngwanyia v. Ashcroft
This class action lawsuit challenges the INS’ failure to adjudicate adjustment applications for asylees.

Family Unity: Escutia v. Reno
This lawsuit challenges INS’ failure to timely adjudicate applications under the Family Unity Program.

Regulations for Healthcare Workers: Abraham v. Reno
This LAC lawsuit successfully compelled the INS to issue long-awaited regulations implementing § 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act for certain healthcare workers who were waiting to become lawful permanent residents.

LAC Litigation Topics

APA Appeals

"Arriving Aliens" and Adjustment of Status

BIA Procedures

Child Status Protection Act

Immigrant Visa Petitions and Degree Equivalences

Mandamus Appeals

Motions to Reopen from Outside the Country

Naturalization

"Parole" and Adjustment of Status

Physicians and National Interest Waivers

Portability under INA § 204(j)

REAL ID

Reinstatement of Removal/Deportation

Service of BIA decisions

VAWA

Ventura and the Remand Rule

Voluntary Departure