For Immediate Release: June 29, 2020

Contact: Julia Kudlacz, Senior Immigration Attorney, 631-650-2306

The Supreme Court decision in the case of Department of Homeland Security v. Thuraissigiam is a step in the wrong direction for people fleeing from persecution and fear. The case held that asylum seekers will no longer have the right to pursue federal court review through the writ of habeas corpus. This decision will result in expedited removal for asylum seekers and contribute to putting people in harm’s way, including persecution and death. The ruling is contrary to our values as Americans willing to help others in dire need, and our basic principles of fairness and due process.

To find out more about Empire Justice Center, visit our website, www.empirejustice.org.

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Empire Justice Center is a statewide, multi-issue, multi-strategy, public interest law firm focused on changing the “systems” within which poor and low-income families live. We provide representation in our Westchester and Long Island offices to immigrants before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and Immigration Court, including representation of victims of crimes, immigrant victims of domestic violence, asylum seekers, persons seeking lawful permanent resident status, citizenship and DACA recipients. In addition, we assist immigrant New Yorkers in obtaining government benefits to which they are entitled, and engage in immigration policy work at the State and local level, particularly on Long Island.

Empire Justice protects and strengthens the legal rights of people in New York State who are poor, disabled or disenfranchised through: systems change advocacy, training and support to other advocates and organizations, and high quality direct civil legal representation. Empire Justice has offices in Albany, Rochester, Yonkers, White Plains and Central Islip on Long Island.