Americans for Immigrant
Justice’s Programs
Americans for Immigrant Justice is an award-winning non-profit law firm that fights for justice for immigrants through a combination of impact litigation, direct representation, advocacy and outreach.
Both on a national level and in Florida, AI Justice champions the rights of unaccompanied immigrant children; advocates for survivors of trafficking and domestic violence; serves as a watchdog on immigration detention practices and policies; fights to keep families informed, empowered and together; and pursues redress on behalf of immigrant groups with particular and compelling claims to justice.
Scroll down to review all of our programs, or click on one of the following to jump straight to a program.
Family Defense Program
The Family Defense Program (FDP) informs and empowers mixed-status families and long-time residents whose futures are uncertain due to the erosion of protections for Dreamers, TPS recipients, and immigrants in general.
With its signature combination of community outreach and direct representation, FDP staff fight to keep Florida families safe and together.
Domestic Violence &
Human Trafficking (Lucha) Program
AI Justice’s Lucha team represents immigrant survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Whether the abuse is taking place at home or at work, Lucha staff work swiftly and compassionately to help survivors and their children gain freedom from violence and mistreatment.
Through free legal assistance, staff help survivors obtain immigration relief, a critical first step on the journey to building safe, independent, and financially stable lives.
Children’s Legal Program
AI Justice’s Children’s Legal Program provides free legal services to immigrant children, many of whom have suffered abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Whether these children have been mistreated in their country of origin, during the arduous journey to the United States, or upon arriving in this country, AI Justice staff are committed to helping them navigate the complex pathway to safety and justice.
Detention Program
AI Justice’s Detention Program regularly visits detention facilities to observe conditions, give Know Your Rights presentations, provide free legal advice, and represent clients before the immigration court and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Between the remote location of many detention facilities, and the severe restrictions within, being detained is a very isolating experience. These factors make meeting with an attorney nearly impossible, with only 14% of detained immigrants reporting that they have access to an attorney.
Judge Rosemary Barkett Litigation Program
AI Justice’s staff have won dozens of lawsuits over the years challenging unjust immigration policies and have compelled the government to disclose information key to reforming our broken immigration system.
Whether challenging the unlawful detention of immigrants or inhumane conditions in ICE detention facilities, suing our government for wrongfully depriving immigrants of citizenship, or compelling our government to disclose key information through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, AI Justice’s litigation team is determined to work to uphold the fundamental rights of immigrants despite the challenges.
Pro Bono Program
AI Justice’s Pro Bono Program works towards creating an immigration system that affords equal opportunity for all by filling in the gaps between the legal needs of immigrants and their ability to connect with pro bono attorneys.
Having an attorney is crucial to navigating the complex immigration system. While the government trains and empowers a paid prosecutor to argue for removal, those seeking immigration relief without an attorney find themselves facing separation from their families and return to life-threatening situations alone. Immigrants with representation are five times more likely than those who are unrepresented to obtain relief. The Pro Bono Program supports access to counsel for those in need because no one should have to fight their case alone.