About us
Almost two decades of immigration advocacy and litigation - a battle to protect and defend all immigrants.
Legacy and Future
CLDF HISTORY OF ADVOCACY AND IMPACT LITIGATION
The impact of the Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders (CONLAMIC) and The CONLAMIC Legal Defense Fund on immigration advocacy and litigation in America from 2008 to 2024.
The impact can be broken down into key areas where the organization has influenced legal actions, policies, and public discourse. Here’s a summary of their impact. CONLAMIC’s and CLDF Impact on Immigration Litigation (2008-2024)
TIMELINE
2008-2012: Early years
Early Advocacy and Legal Challenges – Opposition to SB 1070 in Arizona. – CONLAMIC played a significant role in opposing Arizona’s controversial immigration law, SB 1070, which allowed local law enforcement to check the immigration status of individuals during routine stops.
The organization joined and supported lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the law, arguing that it led to racial profiling and violated the rights of Latinos and other minority groups.
The ACLU AND WHITE HOUSE eventually took the lead role in the case and with CLDF helped litigate the case to the US Supreme Court (USA v ARIZONA)
Advocacy for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)- Although CONLAMIC was not directly involved in the legal creation of DACA, the organization strongly supported the policy, advocating for its implementation and defending it in public discourse.
TIMELINE
2013-2016: Continued battles for ALL immigrants
Legal Advocacy and Community Mobilization- Challenge to Anti-Immigrant Legislation- During this period, CONLAMIC continued to challenge various state-level anti-immigrant laws, particularly those resembling Arizona’s SB 1070. The organization provided legal support to thousands of immigrants affected by these laws and mobilized communities to resist unjust policies. –
Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform- CONLAMIC actively lobbied for comprehensive immigration reform, participating in coalitions that sought to influence Congress and the Obama administration.
While major legislative reform did not pass, the organization helped shape the legal and public narratives around immigration.
TIMELINE
2017-2020: Resistance to Trump
Resistance to Trump Administration Policies- Litigation Against Travel Bans:
CONLAMIC opposed the Trump administration’s travel bans, which targeted several predominantly Muslim countries. The organization supported lawsuits that sought to overturn these executive orders, citing religious and racial discrimination.
Defense of DACA and TPS (Temporary Protected Status)- As the Trump administration sought to end DACA and revoke TPS for certain countries, CONLAMIC AND CLDF participated in litigation efforts to protect these programs.
The organization worked alongside other civil rights groups to argue that ending these protections would harm millions of immigrants and their families.
Opposition to Public Charge Rule- CONLAMIC AND CLDF challenged the expanded Public Charge Rule, which made it harder for immigrants to obtain green cards if they were deemed likely to use public benefits.
The organization argued that the rule disproportionately affected Latino communities and violated principles of fairness and equity.
timeline
2021-2024: Advocacy and Continued Legal Engagement
Support for Biden Administration Reversals- CONLAMIC AND CLDF supported the Biden administration’s efforts to reverse many of the restrictive immigration policies implemented during the Trump era, including travel bans and the Public Charge Rule.
The organization also advocated for the restoration of asylum protections and an increase in refugee admissions. – Litigation for Immigrant Rights and Pathway to Citizenship-
During this period, CONLAMIC AND CLDF has been involved in advocating for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, supporting legislative and legal efforts to achieve this goal. The organization has continued to fight against state-level anti-immigrant laws and policies, focusing on protecting the rights of immigrant communities. –
Ongoing Legal Challenges- CONLAMIC has remained engaged in ongoing legal battles over immigration enforcement practices, particularly those that target Latino AND OTHER MARGINALIZED communities. The organization has also focused on addressing issues related to family separation, detention conditions, and the treatment of asylum seekers.
Overall Impact- CONLAMIC and CLDF haVE played a crucial role in shaping immigration litigation in America by advocating for the rights of Latino and immigrant communities. The organization has been a persistent voice against discriminatory policies and practices, contributing to significant legal victories and influencing public opinion on immigration issues. Through its legal advocacy, CONLAMIC has helped protect the rights of millions of immigrants and has been a key player in the broader movement for comprehensive immigration reform.
For 16 years the Legal Defense Fund has been privately funded by the law offices of William J. Sanchez P.A. All of the advocacy work and impact litigation has been done on a pro-bono basis by the law firm. The value of the law offices pro-bono work over these years is well over $10 million dollars, and the principals of the law office hope to continue to finance the Fund’s work in the future.