The NATIONAL IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CENTER is a US-based organization that works to establish and defend the rights of immigrants regardless of background. By helping provide representation and legal services, the NIJC helps keep families together and prevents members of our community from being deported based on unjust laws and illegal government action.
The organization got its start in 1984, when a group of attorneys founded the MIDWEST IMMIGRANT RIGHTS CENTER to provide legal representation to people from Haiti and Central America fleeing violence and persecution. Over the years, the program grew into what it is today: a nationally recognized organization with a network of over two thousand attorneys who provide legal services to over 11,000 people a year.
The programs and services offered by the NIJC include the following (from Wikipedia):
JEANNE AND JOSEPH SULLIVAN PROGRAM FOR PROTECTION OF ASYLUM SEEKERS: A network of approximately 1000 pro bono lawyers who seek to defend asylum rights.
DEFENDERS INITIATIVE: Provides information to defenders in criminal cases at the federal, state, and local levels so that they can provide better advice to their clients on the potential immigration consequences of being convicted of crimes.
GENDER JUSTICE INITIATIVE: Upholds the rights of immigrant women and helps those who are victims of domestic violence and crime.
DETENTION, DEMOCRACY AND DUE PROCESS PROJECT: Upholds the due process rights of immigrants held in detention or subject to deportation.
IMMIGRANT CHILDREN'S PROTECTION PROJECT: Protects the rights of detained and non-detained immigrant children who may be subject to deportation.
IMMIGRANT LEGAL DEFENSE PROJECT: This offers free and low-cost legal representation and related services to immigrant families in need.
COUNTER-TRAFFICKING PROJECT: Provides comprehensive legal services and case management for children and adult survivors of human trafficking.
LGBT IMMIGRANT RIGHTS INITIATIVE: Defends equal protections for LGBT immigrants.
This year, Devil’s Dice Productions will be donating 15% of all our ticket, merch, and concession sales to the National Immigrant Justice Center, as well as additional profits from our June 19th performance and speciality stickers. As a Local Arizona theatre company, we firmly believe that ICE does nothing to keep our community safe, and the raids and intimidation happening in our country are unjust. Although we are only a small theatre company, we want to do what we can to protect the diversity and culture that make Arizona beautiful.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of/is afraid they will be the targets of unjust government action being taken against them based on their identity or immigration status, we want you to know that we, and the National Immigrant Justice Center, are on your side. We love you, and we’d rather you in our theater than any shithead ice agent.
We are deeply grateful for your help in supporting this cause, and recommend you check out the National Immigrant Justice Center on your own time and see what they’re doing to make the world a little safer for those in need. And if you need help, the NIJC can help you understand your rights and access affordable legal counsel.
