In this position statement, the CICW acknowledges its support for the Obama administration’s expanded deferred action programs and outlines the ways in which expanded deferred action can promote the well-being of children in immigrant families.
Read the StatementThis report explores the patterns of Central American migration from 2011 to 2014, analyzes the related policy challenges, and provides recommendations of appropriate U.S. and regional policy responses.
Read Full ReportThis report highlights the potential of President Obama’s proposed Deferred Action to Parents of American Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents program (DAPA) to promote the physical, emotional, and economic well-being of U.S. citizen children of undocumented immigrant parents.
Read Full Report
This brief focuses on policies that address immigration relief options for undocumented immigrant youth involved with the child welfare system. Undocumented youth face barriers in accessing services, including educational and employment opportunities, that can have long-term negative impacts on their well-being. Recognizing the challenges that undocumented youth experience in accessing services and opportunities, the policies in this category aim to reduce these barriers by ensuring that child welfare practitioners are aware of available opportunities for youth to gain legal status. The policies discussed throughout this brief both provide staff with an overview of immigration relief options and offer guidance to staff on how they can provide assistance throughout the application process.
Read the BriefThis brief focuses on issues related to foster care funding for immigrant youth in care. Undocumented immigrant youth are typically not eligible for federal foster care funding, which may pose challenges for child welfare practitioners. In response to these challenges, the policies in this brief provide guidance to child welfare agency staff on obtaining foster care funds for immigrant youth. Included are policies that outline the procedure for applying for Permanent Residence Under Color of Law (PRUCOL) for undocumented minors. PRUCOL is not an immigration relief option, but rather a process through which undocumented children and youth become eligible for federal foster care funding.
Read the BriefThis study analyzes newly available data, showing that the massive increase in unaccompanied alien children (UACs) began before DACA was even announced in June 2012.
Read Full StudyView the recording of the Albany Law School’s 2015 Warren M. Anderson Breakfast Seminar and access supplementary materials about state-based immigration reform, including information on unaccompanied minors, state benefits and state-issued identification documents for immigrants, and state support for immigrant legal services.
View Seminar Recording Access Supplementary MaterialsThis resource proposes model statutory language for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) legislation, with the aim of promoting both uniformity across jurisdictions and the right of all SIJS-eligible immigrant children to access their state court systems.
Review ResourceProvides information about the Central American Minors Refugee/Parole Program which is implemented by the Department of State.
Read about ProgramThis brief focuses on policies that address the placement of dependent children with a parent or relative residing in a foreign country, typically for the purpose of reunification, guardianship, or adoption.
Read the Brief
© 2025 CICW.