By Mayra Casas Jackson
Executive Director, Immigrant and Refugee Law Center
When Immigrant and Refugee Law Center (IRLC) applied for an Impact 100 grant in November 2024, the goal was to hire an additional attorney to represent detained immigrants. While the need was already urgent, the situation rapidly worsened after a new federal administration took office. Immigration enforcement intensified, protections were rolled back, and federal funding for organizations like IRLC became uncertain. As a result, IRLC’s staff faced mounting emotional strain while continuing to serve families confronting detention, separation and deportation.
During this period of instability, Impact 100 provided critical flexibility and support with a $100,000 grant in fall 2025, allowing IRLC to continue its work without interruption. No services were paused, no families were turned away, and the organization was able to maintain continuity, dignity and hope for the communities it serves. Thanks to this support, IRLC has since stabilized its funding and is now actively seeking to hire an additional attorney, something that felt impossible at the start of 2025 but is now both achievable and necessary given the growing demand.
The impact of this work is reflected in the case of E.C., a 19-year-old client IRLC has represented pro bono since 2023. After arriving in the U.S. alone at age 15, E.C. excelled in school, worked legally, supported his family abroad, and obtained Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and work authorization with IRLC’s help. Despite this, he was falsely arrested in September 2025 and jailed for over four months before all charges were dismissed and he was released from ICE custody.
E.C. is now safely back in his guardian’s home, finishing school and working; however, he continues to recover from trauma and financial hardship. His story illustrates why Impact 100’s support is vital: it ensures due process, protects human rights and gives vulnerable individuals the chance to rebuild their lives.
