ASISTA is proud to report that our litigation against ICE has come to a successful resolution. The case was brought by Protect Democracy and the Constitutional Accountability Center on behalf of ASISTA and Sanctuary for Families. The litigation challenged the unlawful policy, established by then-acting director of ICE Matthew Albence, that made it easier to deport immigrant survivors of violence who 1) came forward to report crimes committed against them and 2) helped law enforcement in prosecuting those crimes. Albence, who was serving in violation of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, had no authority to establish that harmful policy, which directly and indirectly resulted in an untold number of unfair deportations. Last month, ICE issued a new directive replacing the illegal Albence policy we were challenging. Because this new directive restores the protections that were eliminated, the litigation was dismissed. This is a win for immigrant survivors of violence. ASISTA is grateful to our partners and proud to persevere in the cause of justice and fairness for immigrant survivors.
This Practice Alert summarizes USCIS’s new extreme vetting policies, including broad adjudication holds, re-review of previously approved cases, and heightened discretionary scrutiny, and explains their serious implications for immigrant survivors seeking safety and stability. It also provides practical guidance for practitioners on preparing clients for the impact of these measures and on developing case strategies and potential legal challenges.
On January 23, 2026, the federal Trafficking Survivors’ Relief Act of 2026 (TSRA) became law. The TSRA provides a remedy for trafficking survivors to obtain relief from federal criminal records stemming directly from their exploitation. In enacting the TSRA, Congress acknowledged that trafficking survivors frequently acquire a criminal history as a result of their exploitation, which can be a barrier to employment, housing, education, and essential support services and make them more vulnerable to re-exploitation. This 2-pager describes the TSRA and its potential use by immigrant survivors of trafficking charged with or convicted of federal crimes.
Trying to help a trafficking survivor decide whether to file a T visa application? This practice advisory includes factors to consider and discuss with the client.
The age-in rule is a statutory provision designed to protect VAWA derivatives from losing eligibility when they turn 21. This written resource describes the age-in rule and provides practical tips for practitioners to harness its potential.