The American Immigration Council's Legal Action Center engages in impact litigation to protect and advance the rights of noncitizens. The LAC frequently submits briefs as amicus curiae (friend of the court) before administrative tribunals and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and files affirmative lawsuits in limited circumstances.

Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)

In a case before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the LAC argues that the CSPA should be interpreted to preserve immigration benefits for foreign born children who, while attempting to immigrate to the U.S., turn 21 while their applications are being processed. Specifically, the LAC argues for a broad interpretation of the CSPA requirement that a child must have “sought to acquire” the status of a lawful permanent resident within one year of visa availability.

District Court Jurisdiction to Review the Denial of an Adjustment of Status Application

Given the stakes involved in immigration cases, federal court review is an important check on the government’s decision-making. In a case before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the LAC argues that a federal district court erred when it found no jurisdiction to decide whether the immigration agency was wrong when it denied the immigrant’s application for lawful permanent resident status on a non-discretionary eligibility basis.