We’re urging members of Congress to protect Cameroonian immigrants fleeing conflict 

We joined the Cameroon American Council and #CameroonTPS Coalition in sending a letter to members of Congress urging them to support a designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon and to all Cameroonians currently residing in the United States. The letter was specifically directed to Congresswomen urging them to take solidarity action with Cameroonian women detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers by hosting a briefing or introducing a bill for TPS during the month-long commemoration of Black August. The action would affirm a recent letter by House Judiciary Committee Democrats and offer crucial relief to civilians fleeing conflict in Cameroon as well as those Cameroonians subject to harsh conditions of confinement in U.S. detention centers.

Learn more about the letter on our website and read the letter in full here.

Lawsuit results in full review of Formosa Plastics’ controversial Louisiana plant 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Thursday that it will require a full “environmental impact statement” for the massive petrochemical complex Formosa Plastics proposes to build in St. James Parish, Louisiana. The decision is a major victory for opponents of the plant, who sued to block the project in January 2020 and convinced the Army Corps to suspend its permit last fall.

The announcement means the Army Corps will now do a complete analysis of the public health, environmental, climate, environmental justice and cultural impacts of what would be one of the world’s biggest plastic-making plants. 

“The Army Corps has finally heard our pleas and understands our pain. With God’s help, Formosa Plastics will soon pull out of our community,” said Sharon Lavigne with RISE St. James.

Read the full press release here.

The horrifying situation in Afghanistan demands U.S. accountability and asylum for Afghan civilians 

We are profoundly sorrowful and concerned for the people of Afghanistan, who for generations have suffered the devastating consequences of continuing violence and war perpetuated by the U.S. and other nations—as well as by violent forces within their own country. The human rights and security of the Afghan people are paramount at this critical juncture. Throughout its 20 years in Afghanistan, the U.S. never prioritized the safety and dignity of Afghan civilians—it must do so today.

The Center for Constitutional Rights calls upon the U.S.—which can leverage vast amounts of public wealth on militarism and endless war—to do everything within its considerable power to offer refuge for the thousands of vulnerable Afghan people, including human rights defenders.

Read the remainder on our website.

We’re grieving with Haiti, calling for accountable aid, and historical justice 

We grieve the tragic loss of more than 1,900 people in Haiti, the injury of thousands more, and the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, as tropical storms are threatening relief efforts.

Prior to Saturday’s earthquake, Haiti was in a constitutional crisis that was inflamed by the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, but is rooted in decades of policy and undue international influence that has destabilized the rule of law and Haiti’s democratic progress. This destabilization has weakened Haiti’s institutions and the ability of the Haitian people to protect themselves and each other in the face of disaster. 

Continue reading on our website.

ICYMI: Fighting for Freedom From the Inside: Celebrating the Advocacy of Jailhouse Lawyers 

In case you missed it, we invite you to watch the recording of our Fighting for Freedom From the Inside: Celebrating the Advocacy of Jailhouse Lawyers event, part of our Black August celebration. It was a rare moment to hear directly from those who have and are still brilliantly and courageously advocating for their rights from within prison walls. 

Please watch the entire panel discussion on our Facebook page and share with others on social media! Also make sure to visit and share the new version of the Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook, available at jailhouselaw.org, with anyone who has family or friends in prison, or any individuals or organizations doing work to support people inside.

Join us for Oral Argument in Al Otro Lado v. Mayorkas 

Join us as immigrant rights attorneys argue before U.S. District Judge Cynthia Bashant of the Southern District of California on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. PDT/1:00 p.m. EDT, urging the court to permanently end and declare unlawful the Trump-era policy that turned back tens of thousands of asylum seekers at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border, denying them access to the U.S. asylum system.

The case, Al Otro Lado v. Mayorkas, was brought by Al Otro Lado, a bi-national advocacy and legal aid organization, and a group of 13 individuals seeking asylum in the United States whom government officials turned away at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border through metering and other tactics. They are represented by the Center for Constitutional Rights, Southern Poverty Law Center, American Immigration Council, and the law firm of Mayer Brown.

Listen to the argument by dialing in to (888) 557-8511 — the Access Code is 6968297. When prompted, enter the access code followed by the pound sign (#). All lines will be muted.

Learn more on our website.