Here at ASISTA, we share your sadness, outrage, and deep concern about what the future holds. We have also been preparing for this possible outcome.
By Cristina Velez, Veronica Sainz, and Kirsten Rambo
ASISTA Immigration Assistance is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors: Ms. Salima Dembri and Ms. Sheelu Verma. Learn more about our newest board members in our press release here .
ASISTA Denounces President Biden’s Dangerous Border Proclamation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 6, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2023
Click here to access release in PDF format.
ASISTA is pleased to announce that Legal & Policy Director Cristina Velez was awarded the 2023 NGO Lawyer of the Year Award at the Federal Bar Association (FBA) Immigration Law Conference last week in Arlington, VA. Read here for more details!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2023
New Blueprint Analyzes Year-One Actions and Outlines Critical, Immediate 2022 Measures to Fulfill Administration’s Promises for a Fair and Humane Immigration System.
In the wake of the killing of eight people in Georgia earlier this week, we at ASISTA are heartbroken and determined as ever to fight the toxic combination of white supremacy and misogyny that fuels this violence. Eight lives were tragically and violently taken, of whom seven were women and six were of Asian descent. We send our love and light to those most directly impacted, the families and friends of the victims. And we stand in solidarity with Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, understanding that this horrific act is a recent manifestation of a long history of racism and exclusion in the U.S. to which AAPI individuals and communities have been subjected for generations.
Safe Horizon and ASISTA File Lawsuit Against USCIS and DHS, Seeking Information on Policy Change Making it More Difficult for Victims of Serious Crime to Obtain Relief Under the U-Visa Program
The Board of Directors of ASISTA Immigration Assistance is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Kirsten Rambo as Executive Director, effective October 5, 2020. See statement here!
ASISTA, like you, is horrified at the allegations of medical abuse and neglect inflicted on women in immigration custody. As we support our partners in ensuring that these atrocities are investigated immediately, we are grateful for the relentless work of these organizations on the ground: Project South , Georgia Detention Watch , Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights , and South Georgia Immigrant Support Network . We are also grateful for the brave efforts of nurse Dawn Wooten, who brought these horrific abuses to light.
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.