Administrative Advocacy
The Administrative Advocacy Working Group pushes for policy and regulatory solutions to mitigate the worst harms of the SIJS backlog while we wait for Congress to act to end the backlog altogether. The working group advocates with relevant government agencies, provides information to and supports political allies supporting our cause, and monitors administrative changes and trends impacting youth in the SIJS backlog.
Accomplishments of the Administrative Advocacy Working Group:
May 2021 letter to USCIS, ICE, and EOIR signed by over 400 organizations and individuals.
Employment Authorization and Protection from Removal – In May of 2022, USCIS began considering deferred action and related employment authorization for SIJS youth in the backlog who have an approved I-360 form.
Continued engagement with USCIS and ICE on issues related to SIJS youth.
Contact Dalia Castillo-Granados at Dalia.Castillo-Granados@abacila.org to join the group or for more information.