2016 Year in Review
From law school troubles to new court initiatives, take a look back at the top stories in Indiana Lawyer this year.
Immigration
Articles
Anti-refugee sentiment from election spills over to states
The push to restrict refugee resettlement and immigration in the U.S. that figured so prominently in Donald Trump's election is now headed to states that are preparing to convene their legislative sessions early next year, immigration advocates said.
Cities, counties mull immigrant legal fund after Trump’s win
Major U.S. cities and counties are beefing up legal services for immigrants to help them fight deportation and avoid fraudulent lawyers in the wake of Donald Trump's election and his hard-line immigration enforcement promises.
US Supreme Court weighs bond hearings for detained immigrants
A seemingly divided U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday tried to figure out whether the government can detain immigrants indefinitely without providing hearings in which they could argue for their release.
Pence counsel seeks email secrecy
Attorneys argue to the Court of Appeals whether the state’s Access to Public Records Act should exempt governor from disclosure.
Justices consider relevance of immigration status in undocumented worker’s lawsuit
The Indiana Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on whether introducing an injured man's immigration status to a jury in his lawsuit for future wages would be prejudicial enough to outweigh its probative value.
Trump’s AG pick Sessions could influence immigration
As a senator, Jeff Sessions became Congress’ leading advocate not only for a cracking down on illegal immigration but also for slowing all immigration, increasing mass deportations and scrutinizing more strictly those entering the U.S. As attorney general, he'd be well positioned to turn those ideas into reality.
Indiana Senate immigration committee plans to introduce no bills
The Indiana General Assembly’s special immigration committee concluded its work Nov. 10 much the way it began — with legislators frustrated the federal government isn’t addressing issues surrounding undocumented residents.
Catholic bishops ask Trump for humane immigration policies
The nation’s Roman Catholic bishops, meeting in Baltimore just days after Donald Trump was elected president, urged him Monday to adopt humane policies toward immigrants and refugees.
Once in office, Trump can quickly alter Supreme Court agenda
Even before Donald Trump chooses a Supreme Court nominee, the new president can take steps to make several contentious court cases go away.
Trump shows every sign of carrying out sweeping immigration crackdown
Donald Trump won the presidency campaigning on a promise of a far-reaching immigration crackdown, and early indications are that he intends to execute it.
Immigration committee hopeful Congress will act
During the final meeting of the Indiana Senate Select Committee on Immigration Issues Thursday, the senators said they were frustrated that states do not have more power to address illegal immigration and believe the new administration and Congress will undertake reform.
Senate immigration committee to hold final meeting
For its final hearing scheduled Thursday, the Indiana Senate Select Committee on Immigration Issues has plans to discuss its work from previous meetings but will not be taking public testimony.
Undocumented worker’s injury suit puts major issues before justices
An undocumented immigrant’s workplace injury — and how much he may be entitled to — has put the rising number of foreign-born workers, the rights they can expect, and the responsibilities of employers squarely before the Indiana Supreme Court.
US justices will consider deportation law for sex offenders
The Supreme Court of the United States will decide whether the government can deport people who are not U.S. citizens if they are convicted in certain states of sexually abusing a minor.
Indiana Supreme Court grants transfer in injured immigrant worker’s case
The Indiana Supreme Court will decide if an undocumented Mexican immigrant who was injured on the job in Indiana should receive compensation based on wages for his job in the United States or based on wages for the same job in Mexico.
Pence mum on continuing anti-Syrian refugee fight gubernatorial candidates reject
Gov. Mike Pence’s fight to keep Syrian refugees out of Indiana may continue — as his term is expiring, he hasn’t said whether he will appeal federal court rulings that his position is discriminatory. Nevertheless, the candidates vying to succeed him as governor oppose the stance he’s unsuccessfully fought for.
Exodus: Syrian refugees ‘not who Pence and others claim’
Fresh off a defeat of Gov. Mike Pence’s effort to bar Syrian war victims from settling in Indiana, the leader of a refugee resettlement program said the agency’s work assisting them will continue.
7th Circuit affirms order against Pence in Syrian refugee case
Calling Gov. Mike Pence’s objection to the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Indiana because they may pose a terrorism threat “nightmare speculation,” the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals Monday rejected the governor’s appeal of rulings blocking his bid to withhold federal funding to an agency assisting war victims.
Supreme Court will not re-hear immigration case
The Supreme Court of the United States has declined an Obama administration request to break its recent tie over plans to protect millions of immigrants, when a ninth justice is on the bench.