National Immigrant Justice Center
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National Immigrant Justice Center
@immigrantjustice.bsky.social
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The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is a legal aid organization that advocates for human rights and humane immigration laws.
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immigrantjustice.bsky.social
Spring 2026 internships for undergrad and law students are OPEN at NIJC!

We have legal internships in our Indiana offices and PILI internships in Chicago for law students.

The deadline to apply is November 21. Apply here 👉 https://immigrantjustice.org/careers
Promotional image for Spring 2026 internship opportunities at the National Immigrant Justice Center, showing four individuals around a table with laptops and documents, discussing in a brightly lit office setting. Text invites to apply at immigrantjustice.org/careers.
November 11, 2025 at 6:50 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
NIJC’s own Mary Meg McCarthy joined the TimeLine Theatre Company's “Sunday Scholars” panel following a performance of Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars, a powerful immigration story.

The show runs through November 9th! Learn more & get your tickets: https://timelinetheatre.com/events/hundreds-stars/
Five people smiling and posing together on a stage with a dark blue curtain backdrop. Four individuals are seated on a stage during a panel discussion with a vivid blue backdrop.
November 5, 2025 at 9:04 PM
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Last week, our colleagues at Cooley LLP partnered with NIJC's Recent Arrivals team to host a workshop to help people apply for asylum. We prepared seven initial asylum applications for immigrant community members, helping them with the first step toward security here in the United States.
Legal professionals engage in a briefing around a table, with laptops open and a presentation screen displaying a QR code in the background. Four professionals a engage in discussion around a table during a pro se asylum workshop hosted in downtown Chicago. A person presenting a slide titled 'Community Engagement' at a pro bono training, with participants seated around a conference table, looking at laptops and listening.
November 3, 2025 at 1:21 AM
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@govpritzker.illinois.gov launched a commission to track ICE & federal agent abuses in IL — a step toward accountability. More by @chicagotribune.com @olivia0.bsky.social:
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/23/illinois-accountability-commission-immigration-raids/?share=2tnwo1mniiioiiswa2tn
October 24, 2025 at 7:19 PM
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Today is the LAST DAY of the #5KforImmigrantJustice virtual race week! Hundreds of people around the country are doing their race to support immigrants in our communities. Check out these photos from our virtual racers!

There's still time to join! Sign up at https://immigrantjustice.org/5K
A collage of four images: a scenic sunset along a pathway with a utility tower, a smiling person wearing sunglasses and a white t-shirt, another smiling person in sunglasses before a water backdrop, and a tranquil pond featuring a tall brick chimney in the distance. Group of five people smiling wearing athletic clothes and posing for a photo outside, holding a sign saying "ICE Out" A group of eight volunteers wearing matching t-shirts with "National Immigrant Justice Center 5K" logos, posing together outdoors with trees and a clear sky in the background. Promotional image for the 7th Annual National Immigrant Justice Center Community for Immigrant Justice 5K. The event details include an in-person race day on October 11, 2025, at Millrace Trail in Goshen, IN, as well as virtual participation from October 11-18, 2025. There are six smiling participants pictured.
October 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
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This week pro bono volunteers from Cozen O'Connor helped 10 people renew their DACA applications! Thanks to our pro bono colleagues for helping their clients maintain stability in the United States & advancing NIJC's mission to establish and defend the legal rights of all immigrants..
A group of legal professionals pose in front of a Cozen O'Connor logo in an office lobby.
October 17, 2025 at 6:56 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
NIJC is partnering with No Kings Rally & March on 10/18 in Chicago! Join us Saturday at noon to oppose attacks on families & due process. 📍 Butler Field @ Grant Park 🔗 http://bit.ly/HandsOffChiOct18
Promotional poster for "Hands Off Chicago No Kings" event on Saturday, October 18 at 12 PM, located at Butler Field in Grant Park. Features bold text, with a prominent "X" mark over a sketch of a crown, and stars in red and blue stripes representing the Chicago flag against a dark blue background.
October 16, 2025 at 7:07 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
In an interview with Fox 32 News, NIJC’s Associate Director of Litigation Mark Fleming sounds the alarm on ICE’s growing, inexcusable lack of transparency around unlawful arrests — including how many U.S. citizens have been illegally detained:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5AVX3TFQdE
October 14, 2025 at 4:52 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
The 7th Annual #5KForImmigrantJustice yesterday in Goshen, Indiana was a huge success! Shout out to the hundreds of people who showed up to support immigrants in our communities.

You can still join us! The virtual race week goes through Saturday 10/18. Sign up at www.immigrantjustice.org/5K
A group of National Immigrant Justice Center staff members wearing t-shirts for the 7th Annual NIJC 5K for Immigrant Justice standing in front of a brick building after the race. Group of people running in the NIJC 5K in a park on a sunny day, with some pushing strollers. Trees and a brick building in the background. Participants running in the NIJC 5K alongside a scenic river on a sunny day. Group of participants at a community outdoor event, wearing casual and athletic clothing, interacting and enjoying the sunny day. The back of one woman's t-shirt reads Community United, Pueblo Unido.
October 13, 2025 at 1:45 AM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
NIJC's Mark Fleming spoke to Fox 32 News abt the recent extension of the Castañon Nava consent decree and how ICE must no longer act w/ illegal disregard for rules concerning warrants for arrests and probable cause.

WATCH this clip & view the full convo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5AVX3TFQdE
October 9, 2025 at 9:45 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
SIGN UP FOR THE 5K IT'S TWO DAYS AWAY: Register now to join the 7th Annual NIJC #5kForImmigrantJustice, virtually or in Goshen, IN on Saturday, October 11th. Support immigrants in our communities and provide vital legal services: https://immigrantjustice.org/5K
Promotional image for the 7th Annual National Immigrant Justice Center Community for Immigrant Justice 5K. It details an in-person race at Millrace Trail in Goshen, IN on October 11, 2025, and a virtual race from October 11-18, 2025. The image features a group of smiling participants in a previous event.
October 9, 2025 at 7:12 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
GOOD NEWS: Volunteers from Faegre Drinker and Discover helped 12 refugees from Burma, Iraq & Venezuela apply for green cards, bringing them one step closer to permanent residency in Chicago! 😊 💗
Pro bono volunteers from Faegre Drinker and Discover sit around a table with a clinic attendee, engaged in a discussion with laptops and notebooks in a modern conference room. Legal volunteers sitting around a conference table, engage with community members in a discussion with documents in front of them. Three volunteers work with a clinic attendee for their green card application as they gather around a table in a conference room.
October 7, 2025 at 5:11 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
🚨 ALERT: Immigration attorneys have received troubling notice of a potential ICE operation targeting unaccompanied immigrant kids.

⚠️📞 If you see ICE activity or need help, call the FSN Hotline: 855-435-7693. For more support visit ICIRR's website: bit.ly/ILEyesOnICE
Informational graphic about 'Freaky Friday' ICE raids targeting unaccompanied immigrant children, issued by the National Immigrant Justice Center and ICIRR. Features an image of a child and parent embracing, with a transparent overlay and text detailing the subject matter. Swipe instruction at bottom right. Informational graphic by the National Immigrant Justice Center and ICIRR explaining the term 'unaccompanied minor' as used in U.S. immigration context, detailing criteria such as arriving in the U.S. without parents and being designated by authorities as unaccompanied. Informational graphic by the National Immigration Justice Center and ICIRR. It addresses misconceptions about a possible ICE operation called "Freaky Friday," clarifying that it is not aimed at schools or unaccompanied immigrant children, and that any official communication would come via letter or email from an immigration officer, not through in-person visits. Infographic advising parents and sponsors on steps to take regarding children's safety, including keeping information secure and being wary of scams. Bullet points highlight actions such as not frightening children, keeping copies of communications, and consulting a reputable immigration attorney before paying for services.
October 3, 2025 at 8:41 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
🚨 ReadyNow! is a free, secure app for our community members to create an emergency plan & alert trusted contacts if they become detained. Remember, you’re never alone - you have resources and allies who can help! 📲 Download ReadyNow! on the App Store or Google Play & spread the word!
Image featuring a graphical representation of a smartphone displaying the 'ReadyNow!' app, designed to aid immigrants with an alert button prominently displayed. The backdrop includes a Monarch butterfly and a stylized cloud pattern. Promotional graphic for the mobile app "Now!," which helps at-risk immigrants by providing a personalized emergency plan. The app offers support in medical, legal, and child care needs and features a "Send Alert" button for immediate assistance upon detainment. A smartphone displaying a question "Why should I download the app?" and text explaining its benefits for sudden plan changes. Promotional image featuring two QR codes for app downloads, with one labeled for the Apple App Store and the other for Google Play, set against a cloud-patterned background. Text above reads "Download ReadyNow!"
September 28, 2025 at 12:50 AM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
📢 Today is the last day to get your free t-shirt! Register now for NIJC’s 7th Annual Community for Immigrant Justice 5K and snag this year’s limited-edition tee! 👕🏃‍♀️ Join us Oct. 11 in person or virtually: immigrantjustice.org/5k
#5KforImmigrantJustice
Dark blue heathered T-shirt design with the text "7th Annual National Immigrant Justice Center 5K 2025" printed on the front in white Back view of a heather dark blue T-shirt featuring the text 'COMMUNITY UNITED PUEBLO UNIDO' in white with a small logo for the National Immigrant Justice Center in between the English and Spanish text.
September 18, 2025 at 1:27 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
🦋 At Spudnik Press, NIJC staff printed monarch butterflies to honor the resilience and beauty that our community members bring to the world. S/o to the Spudnik team for their support! 💙
5 NIJC staffers stand around a table in a screen-printing workshop, holding up their artwork featuring butterfly prints, smiling proudly at their designs. Group of six people smile for a selfie in a workshop environment, surrounded by creative materials and tools.
September 17, 2025 at 7:15 PM
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We joined @icirr.bsky.social & community partners on Chicago’s Southwest Side to stand against ICE’s presence & abductions in our neighborhoods. 🏠 Watch NIJC's Cecilia Mendoza 👇

P.S. If you see ICE or need support, call ICIRR’s Family Support Network hotline: 1-855-435-7693
September 16, 2025 at 5:41 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
🍲✨ We love potlucks with our team. From sharing homemade dishes to laughs, our recent potluck was a great reminder of the community and culture that fuels our work every day. 💙
Three colleagues enjoy a meal together at NIJC's annual team potluck in an office setting.
September 15, 2025 at 1:43 AM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
GOOD NEWS: Pro bono volunteers from Sidley Austin & The Options Clearing Corporation helped 11 refugees & asylees from 8 countries with their green card applications. 💗 We thank our legal community for continuing their support of immigrant families!
A group of volunteer attorneys gather around a laptop in a conference room to assist attendees at a legal clinic. Two volunteer attorneys sit at a table with two attendees at a legal clinic, discussing documents, in a conference room with colorful artwork on the walls.
September 11, 2025 at 7:11 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
There's only 1 week left to sign up & snag this year’s limited-edition tee for the 7th Annual NIJC Community for Immigrant Justice 5K! 📅 Mark your calendar to join us on Oct 11 in person or virtually all week. Don't miss out: immigrantjustice.org/5k
Navy blue T-shirt with "National Immigrant Justice Center 5K 2025" printed on the front.
September 11, 2025 at 4:49 PM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
📢 Action Alert: Congress is voting on H.R. 3486, a bill that could impose life sentences & other extreme punishments just for crossing the border. Tell your House Reps to VOTE NO.

Take action NOW via: immigrantsurvivors.org/take-action
Promotional image urging action against H.R. 3486, featuring a family of 4 embracing in the background. Text encourages people to visit the link hosted by the Alliance for Immigrant Survivors to help oppose mandatory minimums and prison sentences for people who enter the U.S. without authorization.
September 11, 2025 at 2:48 PM
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10 people received help renewing their DACA status thanks to our pro bono colleagues at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP (BAL). We are grateful to BAL's attorneys, paralegals, and other legal staff for their time and dedication! Help us congratulate these community members and legal teams! 👏
Pro bono attorneys conduct a briefing at BAL (Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP) with several attendees seated around a table, looking towards a presentation on a screen.
September 7, 2025 at 1:18 AM
immigrantjustice.bsky.social
‼️ Attention Chicago fam: To report any potential ICE or other federal troops activity in your neighborhood and to get plugged into legal services if a loved one is detained, call Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights' Family Support Network Hotline at 855-435-7693.

Graphic from Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights with text reminding people to call the Family Support Network hotline at 855-435-7693 to report ICE activity, with further information available at icirr.org/fsn. The background is orange with white and yellow text.
September 4, 2025 at 1:16 AM
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We're proud to share that NIJC’s Laura Cholula received the Outstanding Service Award from Northern Illinois University College of Law! 🎉 TY NIU for recognizing her incredible work and dedication. Read more: https://law.news.niu.edu/2025/07/25/niu-law-to-honor-2025-award-recipients-on-august-27/
NIJC's Laura Cholula smiles while holding the Service Award at Northern Illinois University College of Law's annual award reception. A group of eight people smile and stand together, all wearing formal attire, with NIJC's Laura Cholula to celebrate her receiving an award at NIU's annual event. Laura Cholula stands by the podium, addressing the audience at the event. Person speaking at a podium in an elegant conference room with ornate ceilings and chandeliers at The Union League Club of Chicago, with an attentive audience seated in rows.
September 3, 2025 at 7:05 PM
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The Making Great Strides 5K Chicago organized by the community raised more than $8,000 to provide vital legal services for immigrants! 🎉 Thx to the Hoopingarner family, our community neighbors, and Old Town School of Folk Music's community choir for their support. 💪💙
Adrienne Hoopingarner, the event organizer of this year's 'Making Great Strides 5K Chicago' neighborhood fundraiser address the crowd. Old Town School of Folk Music's community choir kicks off the 5K fundraising event with a song. NIJC Legal Project Manager Trisha Teofilo Olave talks about NIJC and thanks event attendees for their support. People participating in the 5K gathered at a community park near tables and chairs, many standing and some seated, surrounded by lush green trees.
August 31, 2025 at 1:18 AM