Mariko Hirose, IRAP Litigation Director, addresses journalists at an outdoor press conference. She is surrounded by several journalists with cameras, microphones and notepads. She has straight, shoulder length black hair and wears a white blouse and black blazer.

News & Resources

Search this database to find legal resources, our latest press releases, blog posts, and other materials.

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Nov 27, 2024

The Safe Mobility Initiative at the End of the Biden Administration

Updated November 27, 2024 Since its announcement in spring 2023, the U.S.-led Safe Mobility Initiative

Legal Resource

Nov 18, 2024

New Data Reveals Ongoing Delays in Refugee Family Reunification Processing and Outsized Scrutiny of Somali Families

In recent years, IRAP has observed dramatic delays in the refugee family reunification (I-730 follow-to-join)

Legal Resource

Nov 12, 2024

Celebrating Sign Language Rights: IRAP’s Global Event on the International Day of Sign Languages and International Week of the Deaf…

On the occasion of the 2024 International Day of Sign Languages and the International Week of the Deaf People, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) hosted a global event centered around the theme for this year’s commemorations: “Sign Up to Sign Language Rights.”

Blog Post

Nov 6, 2024

Following Election, IRAP Vows to Defend Immigrant Rights Against Trump Attacks

In response to the election of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States, Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), issued the following statement: "We hoped to never be here again, but we’ve been preparing for this possibility. We are not afraid and we are not naive. We are ready to use every tool in our toolbox to uphold the rights and dignity of people seeking safety, and to fight for a more welcoming future for all.”

Press Release

Oct 31, 2024

Webinar: Legal Action Agenda for Climate Displacement (US, Latin America & the Caribbean)

IRAP hosted a webinar covering our legal action agenda outlining concrete steps to protect the rights and wellbeing of climate-displaced people across the Americas.

Video

Oct 29, 2024

Practice Advisory: CHNV Parolees May Apply to Renew Parole Even Without a Parole Renewal “Process”

On October 4, 2024, USCIS announced on a Frequently Asked Questions page that there

Legal Resource

Oct 23, 2024

FOIA: Shedding light on family reunification processing delays

IRAP filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) suit against United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) seeking records relating to the refugee and asylee follow-to-join (FTJ) family reunification process.

Case

Oct 16, 2024

125 Human Rights Organizations Demand Biden Administration Stop Detaining Refugees at Guantánamo Bay 

Today, 125 human rights organizations sent President Biden an open letter demanding the U.S. government stop indefinitely detaining refugees at Guantánamo Bay, abandon plans to expand the detention of Haitians fleeing violence, and allow asylum seekers who travel by boat to seek protection in the United States. Signatories include immigrant and refugee advocates, human rights experts, and Cuban and Haitian community organizations. The letter was organized by the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) and Haitian Bridge Alliance.

Press Release

Oct 10, 2024

Afghan Allies Sue State Department Over Boilerplate SIV Eligibility Denials

Yesterday, five Afghan nationals and the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) sued the State Department for denying Chief of Mission (COM) applications—the crucial first step in obtaining a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) for Afghan allies—without the written explanation required by law.

Press Release

Oct 10, 2024

S.A.M. v. State: Challenging inadequately explained Afghan SIV eligibility denials 

IRAP filed a case on behalf of itself and five Afghan nationals who were denied access to the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program without being given the explanation required by law.

Case

Oct 1, 2024

“America is Better and Stronger Because of Refugees and Their Families”: IRAP Welcomes New Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions

Last night, the Biden administration announced the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions, setting the annual refugee resettlement target for Fiscal Year 2025 at 125,000. In Fiscal Year 2024, the U.S. resettled 100,000 refugees, the highest in 30 years, and the next administration should continue to make the investments necessary to reach or surpass the 125,000 goal.

Press Release

Oct 1, 2024

“Cruel, Illegal, and Fundamentally Misguided”: IRAP Strongly Opposes Biden Asylum Rule

Today, the Biden administration published a final rule that will make it nearly impossible to lift draconian restrictions meant to deny people the opportunity to meaningfully seek safety at the U.S-Mexico border.

Press Release