Pistone designed and founded an entirely online educational program called Villanova Interdisciplinary Immigration Studies Training for Advocates (VIISTA). The program is designed to meet the demand for immigrant representatives by taking advantage of a long-standing facet of immigration law that allows non-lawyers approved by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to represent migrants in immigration court. Called “accredited representatives,” these non-lawyers work at DOJ recognized organizations—such as faith-based or immigrant advocacy groups—who are permitted to provide low-cost legal representation to migrants under federal regulations.
Category: Immigration
Is the U.S. Saying “No Thanks” to the World’s Best and Brightest?
Due to the dual negative impact of regressive policies as well as COVID-19, the U.S. is currently on track to see the lowest enrollment of new international students since World War II, with much of this lost talent being diverted to the U.K., Canada and Australia.
Yet it is exactly times like these, with growing nationalism and xenophobia, that underscore why America needs to keep its minds and doors open, where American students also learn from their international classmates.
ICE to Stop Detaining Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals Under New Biden Directive
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will avoid the arrest or detainment of individuals who are pregnant, postpartum or nursing, according to new guidance released on July 1.
The Founding of the U.S. Excluded Women—and Our Leaders Are About To Do It Again
This country, including our physical infrastructure, was designed by and for white, able-bodied, cis-gendered men. Today’s infrastructure package without an investment in paid leave, health care, child care and support for families is not infrastructure.
Biden Restores Rights for LGBTQ Refugees—Giving More Reasons to Celebrate Pride
Being a member of the LGBTQ community is punishable by life in prison in countries such as Uganda, making the acceptance of refugees and role of LGBTQ resettlement programs in countries such as the U.S. essential.
Biden’s Approach to Immigration Backlog Replicates Mistakes of Trump Administration
By restoring the courts’ authority to manage their own caseload, the Biden administration can quickly remove cases from the backlog while still ensuring fairness for asylum-seeking families.
Don’t Blame Babies (or Their Mothers) for Climate Change
A spate of recent articles notes that, rather than an anticipated COVID-19 baby boom, demographers are predicting a “baby bust.” One such article in this magazine argues that this is a good thing—for the climate, the environment, and women’s empowerment.
Not so fast.
DHS Must Protect Immigrant Children Seeking Protection—Not Deport Them
On one hand, the Department of Homeland Security recognizes the needs of vulnerable children who need protection, while also aggressively continuing their efforts to secure deportation orders against them. Reconciling these two opposing positions seems impossible. And it is.
Asylum Seekers, Advocates Urge Garland to End Trump’s Cruel Policies Towards Survivors
Although President Biden has promised to restore humanity to our asylum system, many of his predecessor’s cruelest policies remain in effect, placing vulnerable women and families at risk of deportation to the very dangers they have fled. Trump’s racist, misogynist legacy includes a series of restrictive Justice Department rulings that have made it extremely difficult for people fleeing gender-based violence to win asylum protection.
It’s Time for a #MeToo Reckoning in Immigration
Undocumented individuals who suffer from sexual assault, domestic violence and exploitation in the work force face unique challenges due to the added vulnerability created by their immigration status in the United States. It’s time to stand up for and protect immigrant survivors.