Article updated March 24, 2026.
The Trump administration has deliberately dismantled refugee protection, asylum, and humanitarian systems – causing extraordinary harm to people fleeing danger at home and around the world.
HIAS is fighting back for the safety of refugee and immigrant communities. HIAS and our partners are currently involved in eight legal challenges to the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant agenda, five of which were filed in February 2026 alone.
Now is a time for courage. Although the U.S. government has abandoned refugees, HIAS never will. We stand firmly in solidarity with the refugees and immigrants that we serve, including through the legal challenges below. (As HIAS’ litigation work continues, this page will be updated with further details.)
Give today
As the world's oldest refugee agency, HIAS will always stand for refugees — no matter who is president. And we will do all we can to support our clients, every day, as we have for more than 120 years. Give with confidence to HIAS.
Lawsuits
Pacito v. Trump (Filed February 2025) – Fighting the Suspension of Refugee Admissions
Within the first few weeks of the Trump administration, HIAS joined as a plaintiff to Pacito v. Trump and has been fighting in courts for more than a year against the halt to refugee admissions that left hundreds of thousands stranded around the world. The case was responsible for forcing the Trump administration to resettle a small number of vulnerable refugees in the summer of 2025, and for obligating the Trump administration to continue funding resettlement support for refugees already in the United States.
Global Health Council v. Trump (Filed February 2025) – Fighting the Halt in Humanitarian Assistance
HIAS joined several other organizations and corporations to fight for a restoration of U.S. humanitarian and development assistance, after the U.S. government halted funding that provided food, water, medicine, and education to millions around the world. Global Health Council v. Trump was directly responsible for the disbursement of some humanitarian aid funds. It has been widely reported on, particularly in its ascent to the Supreme Court. The case is still ongoing as we continue to advocate for the release of humanitarian funds.
Amica Center for Immigrant Rights v. EOIR (Filed February 2026) – Fighting the Changes to Immigration Appeals
HIAS joined several other legal service providers to bring a lawsuit against the changes in processes at the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) that would have seismic impacts on the ability of individuals to appeal decisions in immigration cases. For people who have fled persecution and violence, this could result in dangerous consequences, including the risk of being sent back to a place that is not safe for them. The case is responsible for halting the implementation of most of the BIA rule changes.
HIAS v. USA (Filed March 2026) – Challenging the Termination of Grant Agreements
HIAS filed a complaint in the Court of Federal Claims, alongside partners including the American Bar Association, Mercy Corps, and Save the Children challenging the en masse suspension and terminations of grants and cooperative agreements.
Seven Ways You Can Take Action for Immigrants
Read MoreAmicus Briefs
Noem v. Al Otro Lado (Amicus Filed February 2026) – Fighting Turnback Policies at the U.S.-Mexico border
HIAS filed an amicus brief in Noem v. Al Otro Lado, drawing a connection between the turnback policies used at the border during the last Trump and Biden administrations, and the historical case of the M.S. St. Louis which was turned away from the coast of the United States with 900 Jewish refugees aboard. The amicus shares HIAS’ expertise from two important moments – in 1939, when HIAS rescued and supported people who were turned away on the St. Louis, and in 2018-2021, when HIAS supported those turned away at the border through our offices in Mexico.
U.H.A. v Bondi (Amicus Filed February 2026) – Fighting the Detention of Resettled Refugees in Minnesota
HIAS filed an amicus brief to provide expertise on why the detention of resettled refugees in order to rescreen them is a cruel, harmful, and unnecessary practice. The brief includes information on the security vetting that refugees have already undergone, as well as information about why detention is retraumatizing for those who have experienced violence and persecution.
Trump v. Barbara (Amicus Filed February 2026) – Fighting the Challenge to Birthright Citizenship
HIAS joined 57 faith-based organizations which represent Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews, in an amicus brief in Trump v. Barbara, emphasizing the moral issues at stake in removing birthright citizenship, and the importance to the members of many faith and immigrant groups of maintaining it.
Jean A. et al v. Noem (Filed March 2026) – Fighting Against Mandatory Refugee Detention
HIAS filed an amicus brief in this case, which is challenging a new policy that allows for the arrest and detention of resettled refugees. The lawsuit has temporarily halted the implementation of the disastrous policy. HIAS’ brief provides context on why the detention of resettled refugees in order to rescreen them is a cruel, harmful, and unnecessary practice. We are proud that our resettlement partner, Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts, is one of the plaintiffs.
Give today
As the world's oldest refugee agency, HIAS will always stand for refugees — no matter who is president. And we will do all we can to support our clients, every day, as we have for more than 120 years. Give with confidence to HIAS.
