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Our Litigation & Advocacy

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.

Our Affirmative Lawsuits

Adjustment of Status Under § 245(i) for Noncitizens Previously Removed (Duran Gonzalez Class Action)
This class action lawsuit challenges the Department of Homeland Security's willful refusal to follow the precedent I-212 decision of the Ninth Circuit in Perez-Gonzalez v. Ashcroft.
Adjustment of Status for Asylees (Ngwanyia Class Action)
Adjustment of Status for Asylees (Ngwanyia Class Action)
Lawsuit Filed against DHS and USCIS Seeks Transparency Promised by Obama Administration
AILA v. DHS is a FOIA lawsuit seeking the public release of records concerning agency policies and procedures for the "H-1B" visa program – a program which allows U.S. businesses to temporarily employ highly-skilled foreign workers.
Lawsuit on Visa Bulletin, Adjustment of Status
The class action lawsuit, which we prepared but ultimately did not have to file, argued that the government must comply with its own regulations and policies and accept the "green card" applications of tens of thousands of intending immigrants.
DOL Agrees to Reopen BEC Cases
The LAC's credible threat to sue the U.S. Department of Labor has caused the DOL to agree to reopen Backlog Elimination Center (BEC) cases erroneously closed for alleged failure to respond to a 45-day letter. 30- DAY DEADLINE FOR RESPONDING!
Family Unity: Escutia v. Reno
This lawsuit challenges INS' failure to timely adjudicate applications under the Family Unity Program.
Regulations for Healthcare Workers: Abraham v. Reno
This LAC lawsuit successfully compelled the INS to issue long-awaited regulations implementing § 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act for certain healthcare workers who were waiting to become lawful permanent residents.

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