Child Welfare and Immigration

Keeping Immigrant Families Together Immigrant families face many issues in the child welfare system. Read about recent state legislation and federal policy that helps safeguard the parental rights of undocumented immigrants.
ABA Response to Immigrant Children Surge See ABA President Silkenat's statement to the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives
Center Helps States, Immigrant Families Children separated from parents due to immigration enforcement are increasingly entering child welfare systems. New state law is promoting family reunification for detained/deported parents.

Advertisement

New Practice Tools

Guidance on the Reuniting Immigrant Families Act

California's Reuniting Immigrant Families Act (SB 1064) is the nation’s first law to address the reunification barriers faced by immigrant families involved with the child welfare system.

 

Read an Overview of the Reuniting Immigrant Families Act.

 

See our Materials page for more practice guidance on the effects of the act.

If your state is considering a similar law or needs attorneys experienced on the issue, contact Cristina.Cooper@americanbar.org.

What's New
na

Webinar

December 16th
10am - 11am PDT, 1-2pm (EST)

How California Can Better Meet the Needs of Immigrant Families

More Resources

Noteworthy

Parental Interests Directive. New federal policy meant to ensure that  “immigration enforcement activities do not unnecessarily disrupt” parental rights." Our summary. 


Understanding the Surge: the ABA Commission on Immigration. 


Jargon

What is SIJS, the EOIR, or TPS and what does each have to do with immigration law?

Learn these and other complex legal terms - we've made it easy.

 

 

Legal Jargon

  • Crossroads

  • In the News