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immigrant
Whistleblower Project
Campaigning for Protections for Immigrant Whistleblowers and Undocumented Workers engaged in labor disputes or cooperating with enforcement agencies
Campaign Statement
CHRCL is campaigning for more robust protections for undocumented, guest workers, and other vulnerable immigrant workers. We are advocating for expansion of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant of immigration relief, including deferred action status (DAS) or parole status, and employment authorization documents (EADs), for workers engaged in labor disputes, including those who report labor law violations or cooperate in the investigation of prosecution of labor law violations. See an explanation of rights below.

Our Call for Action
On January 13, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finally responded to demands to increase the availability of immigration protection for workers engaged in labor disputes by issuing new DHS guidelines that may increase the ability of some workers to obtain temporary protection from arrest and deportation by way of “deferred action status” and temporary work permits.
Overall, the DHS January announcement is a step in the right direction. It somewhat strengthens existing policies. However, as discussed below, the announcement falls far short of the need for immigrant worker protections. Below we’ve summarized what workers have gained, and what must still be won. Part of that fight will require the submission of a Freedom of Information Act Request to DHS so we can better understand how the agency has up to now been implementing its existing policies on immigrant worker protections and how it plans to implement guidelines mentioned in its January announcement. A copy of the draft FOIA request is available here. If interested in joining the FOIA as a requesting party or co-counsel, use the button below.
DHS Policy Highlights


Ongoing Advocacy to Strengthen DHS Policy
Timeline and Resources
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July 2022 - CHRCL, elected officials, and several organizations forward a detailed letter to the secretaries of DHS and DOL regarding developing stronger policies.
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January 2023 - DHS responds to demands with updated DHS guidelines.
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January 2023 - CHRCL's analysis of DHS's January guidelines and call to action.
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February 2023 - New York Times article on the severity of immigrant children workers.
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