Event Recap: Taking on Asylum Cases: Focus on Country Condition Research, Experts, and Asylum Claims from El Salvador

The DMC’s Practitioner in Residence, Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, lead an event on October 26 that empowered local asylum case advocates to better support asylum seekers from El Salvador. Dr. Kennedy’s decade-long dedication to human rights, gender issues, violence, and migration, notably in Central America, has produced a substantial body of research, including peer-reviewed articles, policy reports, and media publications. Her presentation provided attendees with valuable insights into the conditions of El Salvador.  

Country condition reports play a pivotal role in asylum cases by providing essential, evidence-based documentation of the circumstances in the applicant’s country of origin. Dr. Kennedy provided practical examples and resources of how to compile relevant country condition materials to assist asylum seekers from El Salvador.  

Dr. Kennedy spoke to over 30 participants from 18 community-based organizations. By equipping legal professionals and community advocates with essential knowledge and resources, the DMC and the Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic seek  to continue to uphold the rights and dignity of asylum seekers in Chicago.  

Sioban Albiol, DMC Steering Committee member to receive the Leah Duckett Public Service Award at Life Span’s annual gala on September 28, 2023, at Galleria Marchetti

Sioban Albiol,  Director of Asylum & Immigration Law Clinic at DePaul University, will receive the Leah Duckett Public Service Award at Life Span’s annual gala on September 28, 2023, at Galleria Marchetti.  Sioban Albiol has provided invaluable expert advice and support to Life Span, whose clients are survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Advance purchase tickets are $150 through September 21 at 

https://life-span.org/light-to-life-2023/

ICE is demanding data from Illinois abortion clinics, restaurants, schools and more using obscure legal tool

In a progressive move, Illinois passed a bill allowing non-U.S. citizens with work authorization to become police officers. This echoes a growing national trend, challenging long-standing state laws rooted in early 20th-century nativism that restrict non-citizens from certain occupations. The shift began with the introduction of DACA in 2012 and has been reinforced by initiatives from organizations like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Employing immigrants, especially in law enforcement, promotes community representation and public safety. For a detailed read, click here.

It doesn’t make sense to bar authorized immigrants from certain jobs Prohibitions stem from discrimination, xenophobia and an incomplete rights revolution in the 1970s Perspective by Allison Brownell Tirres

Illinois took a step toward inclusivity by passing a bill that, if signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, would permit non-U.S. citizens with work authorization to serve as police officers. This move mirrors similar strides taken by states like California, with others like Nevada and Wisconsin contemplating such measures. This progressive trend recognizes the pivotal role of the nearly 13 million lawful permanent residents in the U.S. and the varied professions they occupy. However, many states still maintain archaic laws, rooted in early 20th-century nativism, that prevent immigrants from accessing certain jobs solely based on their non-citizen status. This discrimination has its roots in unfounded xenophobia. The 1970s witnessed a momentary rise in immigrant rights but was soon curtailed by the Supreme Court’s more conservative leanings. However, the advent of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012 refocused attention on citizenship discrimination. Today, Illinois is taking progressive steps, backed by entities like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, to dismantle such employment barriers. The core argument remains that employing diverse talent, especially in police forces, benefits community representation and public safety. To see the article, just click here

04/27/2023 – Prof. Rajit Mazumder Talks about his Research on Muslim minorities in Pakistan

The following is an interview with the academic website Faculit.net on Prof. Rajit Mazumder’s recent article. The article is on Muslim opposition, particularly by the Shia Muslim community, to the demand for Pakistan by the All-India Muslim League in the 1940s in British India. The interview goes over the background of the main subject, the salient points made in the article, and the current relevance of the research. There is a reference to refugees, drawing on Prof. Shailja Sharma’s work, towards the end of the interview.  To see the article, just click here.