Legal

Throughout our more than 135 years serving refugees, HIAS has routinely represented asylum seekers and immigrants in court and weighed in on pressing legal issues. Read more to learn about our legal work.

Arguments Heard in HIAS v. Trump Appeal

Oct 28, 2020

HIAS argued in federal court on Oct. 27 that an injunction against President Trump's executive order giving states and local governments the power to block the resettlement of refugees should remain in effect.

Attorney General's Decision Makes Matters Worse for Asylum Seekers

Oct 05, 2020

A policy from the U.S. Attorney General makes it harder for asylum seekers to win their cases.

Strict New Regulations Limit NGOs Helping Refugees in Greece

Aug 17, 2020

When new regulations issued in Greece earlier this year suddenly hampered refugee agencies’ ability to help people seeking asylum, the HIAS Greece legal team knew they had to fight back.

Marking El Paso Shooting Anniversary, Continuing Work for Survivors

Aug 03, 2020

The mass shooting at an El Paso, Texas, Walmart exactly one year ago was the deadliest act of terror against the Latino community in modern American history. HIAS continues to work on behalf of some of those directly affected by the murders.

Continuing the Hard Legal Work in a Time of Limbo

May 26, 2020

The U.S.-Mexico border is effectively closed and the asylum system has ground to a halt, but there is still plenty of work to do on behalf of asylum seekers.

U.S. Asylum System Grinds To a Halt During Pandemic

May 11, 2020

COVID-19 has pitched an already-backlogged asylum system into "a state of chaos."

A Global Perspective on the Modern Perils of Seeking Asylum

May 05, 2020

The international human rights system is fragile—HIAS will continue to represent, advocate, and litigate for something better and more rights-compliant.