The First Circuit Court of Appeals recently examined a policy from the Trump administration concerning the deportation of migrants to third countries, like Guatemala and South Sudan, where immigration judges had previously determined they were at risk of torture. A class action brought forth by these migrants highlights the legal challenges faced by such policies,…
The United States Supreme Court has recently provided clarity on the cases it intends to hear during the current term. Despite speculation from legal analysts, the court appears to have finalized its docket with the addition of Salazar v. Paramount Global. This case examines the interpretation of a federal law from 1988 designed to protect…
Rwanda has initiated legal proceedings against the United Kingdom for failing to meet financial commitments outlined in a now-canceled migration agreement. The Rwandan government filed a Notice of Arbitration to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, asserting that the UK breached obligations under the Treaty of the Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP). This complaint highlights…
Public interest groups have taken a prominent role in mounting legal challenges against the second Trump administration. An analysis of over 400 lawsuits filed during the initial year of Trump’s second term reveals that nonprofit legal organizations are leading these efforts, while major law firms appear to be largely absent from the courtroom battles reviewed…
Recent discussions surrounding the European Union’s approach to asylum and migration have sparked considerable debate over the principle of solidarity. This concept, intended to unify member states under shared responsibilities, seems to be distorted in practice. An in-depth analysis from the European Law Blog reveals how delegating solidarity may undermine the fundamental intentions behind such…
The United Nations Committee against Torture recently determined that Australia violated the Convention against Torture in handling the case of an Iranian asylum seeker, referred to as Mr A. The committee’s findings highlight serious concerns over Australia’s offshore processing policy and prolonged immigration detention practices. The full details of the findings are reported here. Mr…
A recently published report by the American Immigration Council reveals a significant expansion in the network of facilities used by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This expansion nearly doubled last year, attributed to policies implemented by the Trump administration, which prioritized the detention of noncitizens. Many detainees held did not have criminal records,…
The recent judgments by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning Frontex shed light on the intricate dynamics of asylum law, particularly in handling vulnerable applicants. These rulings are pivotal in understanding how causation and evidence are assessed under European Union law, especially in processes involving asylum seekers. Frontex, the European Border…
Nicolás Maduro, the embattled president of Venezuela, has taken a strategic legal step by hiring renowned attorney Baltasar Garzón for his criminal defense. Garzón, a Spanish jurist, is notably recognized for representing Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks. This move adds a significant weight to Maduro’s legal team as Venezuela continues to face international scrutiny…
On December 30, 1853, the historical Gadsden Treaty was signed by the U.S. minister to Mexico and the president of Mexico, clarifying U.S.-Mexico border boundaries. This treaty remains relevant today as it features prominently in an upcoming case before the Supreme Court that will determine whether asylum seekers must be physically present in the U.S….
In a move that has stirred debates across legal and diplomatic circles, U.S. President Donald Trump has broadened the scope of his controversial travel ban to include 20 additional countries. This latest expansion, enacted through a presidential proclamation, encompasses a mix of total entry bans and partial restrictions, affecting nations predominantly in Africa and the…
Amnesty International has issued a fervent plea to international leaders, urging them to cease the forced return of refugees and asylum seekers to Afghanistan. The call comes amid mounting human rights concerns, compelling countries to honor their commitments under international law. In a statement on Tuesday, Amnesty underscored that the forced deportations mark a stark…
Morrison Foerster has been named a Pro Bono Innovator for 2025, recognized for its innovative approaches and steadfast commitment to community service. This accolade, highlighted in Bloomberg Law, underscores the firm’s dedication to providing free legal services to underserved communities and advancing social justice causes. This distinction is awarded to law firms that demonstrate forward-thinking…
Lowenstein Sandler has been recognized as a Pro Bono Innovator for 2025, a testament to their commitment to providing legal services to underserved communities. Known for its diverse portfolio, the firm has consistently prioritized public service, integrating pro bono work into its core values and operational strategies. This recognition highlights the firm’s continued dedication to…
Eric Tolliver, a 55-year-old inmate in New York, faces an uncertain future as his parole eligibility nears. After serving over three decades for a 1993 murder conviction, Tolliver is caught in the complex intersection of criminal justice and immigration law. As an immigrant from Jamaica, he confronts the likelihood of deportation upon release from Shawangunk…
Amid a surge in deportations, immigration lawyers are confronting an escalating mental health crisis. The pressures of navigating complex legal cases against the backdrop of increased enforcement are causing unprecedented levels of burnout among legal professionals. Many are finding it difficult to sustain their practices as they grapple with emotional strain, diminished resources, and the…
As the United States prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns over recent immigration enforcement measures that could impact the safety of noncitizens attending the event. This follows an incident where an asylum seeker was arrested and deported during the Club World Cup final in New Jersey,…
The complexities of the United States asylum system often lie in interpretation and implementation of laws—which is precisely the issue in Noem v. Al Otro Lado, a case now under the Supreme Court’s spotlight. Historically, applying for asylum required a straightforward step: reaching U.S. soil and expressing the intent to seek asylum to an immigration…
The United States Supreme Court is currently deliberating a pivotal case, Urias-Orellana v. Bondi, which may redefine the extent of federal court involvement in asylum determinations. The case arose from Douglas Humberto Urias-Orellana, Sayra Iliana Gamez-Mejia, and their child, who sought asylum in the U.S. after fleeing El Salvador out of fear of persecution from…
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is set to commence its December session, with several key issues awaiting deliberation. Legal professionals and interested parties can follow the proceedings via the live audio feed. This session’s docket includes matters with potential ramifications for copyright regulations, asylum law, and First Amendment rights, among others, reflecting…
In the legal world, December promises a series of intriguing discussions as the Supreme Court prepares to hear eight cases over two weeks, four of which are centered on aspects of criminal law. These cases highlight critical intersections of judicial review, immigration, civil rights, and capital punishment. The Supreme Court’s December docket offers a brief…
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to confront pivotal issues regarding Internet Service Provider (ISP) liability and the procedural paths for challenging state-issued subpoenas. These cases, to be deliberated in the upcoming oral argument session, promise to address complex questions with significant implications for stakeholders across the technology and legal sectors. Central to the session…
As the United States enters the Thanksgiving break, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) readies itself for a week filled with significant legal deliberations commencing Monday, December 1. This brief pause comes before the court takes on a variety of cases that draw attention from various spheres of the legal community. The court…
The Supreme Court is set to hear Urias-Orellana v. Bondi on December 1, a case that could redefine the federal judiciary’s role in asylum decisions. At issue is whether federal courts of appeals must heed the judgments of the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) concerning claims of persecution, or if they can review such determinations…
Amid regional tensions and global challenges, rights groups are urging Japan’s newly formed government to prioritize human rights within its foreign policy agenda. Human Rights Watch (HRW) recently highlighted the imperative for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to adopt fortified legal, diplomatic, and institutional measures aimed at addressing human rights abuses both in Asia and globally….