2025 Seminar

Defending Immigrants Impacted by Criminalization: Legal Strategies and Evolving Challenges is a timely CLE program that provides in-depth training on key topics in criminal-immigration law practice. Over two days, experienced immigration and criminal defense attorneys and policy experts will provide in-depth training on foundational law and strategy, new developments in case law, and policy and practice updates that are key to providing high quality representation to immigrants with criminal legal system contacts. The program is designed to be useful and engaging for both introductory and advanced immigration law practitioners as well as criminal defense attorneys representing noncitizens.  

On day one, sessions will cover a broad range of topics for attorneys representing immigrants with criminal legal system contacts, to aid with issue spotting and forming case strategy. This will include the use and defense of the categorical approach to defend clients charged with removability or ineligibility for relief, recent challenges to effective post-conviction relief for noncitizens, key crim-imm case law updates, and the application of the particularly serious crime bar to asylum and withholding of removal.

On day two, presenters will discuss the preservation and litigation of crim-imm statutory issues post- Loper Bright, how to challenge retroactive application of immigration laws, emerging issues for noncitizens in federal criminal enforcement, developments in sanctuary laws and policies for New Yorkers, and what to know about data-sharing implications for immigrant clients.

Feedback from prior IDP CLE programs:

• Thanks! Your team has so much knowledge and is very helpful for our work.
• I have used [IDP as a resource] since 2010 and have always found the attorneys to be incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.
• All the information provided was extremely valuable. This was an excellent webinar, that explained complex subjects (e.g. divisibility, categorical approach) in ways that were easier to understand (the presentation graphics really helped)
• Excellent and well-presented program.
• Very informative and concise. Easy to follow.
• This was all round an excellent program.  One of the best I have heard on crim-imm issues.
• Great job. One of the best I have attended. Thank you.
• This was really comprehensive and helpful!
• So many great and creative strategies shared!
• Truly these instructors all seemed like such experts in the field, it was valuable to hear how they interpret and predict the ways these cases can impact our practice in the future.
• There’s always new arguments emerging!
• OverOverall, an excellent program chock full of information. Thank you!
• Very strong and clear review of the categorical approach, particularly clear way of showing and explaining divisibility
• The conference was really invigorating and even though I’ve been engaging with most of these issues already and do rely heavily on IDP resources, the presentations were still so valuable. Really appreciate the opportunity to learn directly from our local geniuses who take the time and effort to consolidate all this information into an accessible slide deck! Also, I only attended Day 2 but I see the effort that went into making this experience seamless for everyone — no tech issue!! Kudos.
• Very informative and comprehensive on categorical approach and judicial precedent governing it.  A lot to take in but Im glad I came.  I cant wait to add this to my legal toolbox
• Provided interesting perspective on how criminal matters are handled for immigration purposes in a brave new world.

Financial aid is available to attorneys facing financial hardship. For more information, email [email protected].

Warning: This seminar is being held on Zoom video conferencing software via Zoom Events. You must register with an email attached to a Zoom account.

Agenda

Warning: This seminar is being held on Zoom video conferencing software via Zoom Events. You must register with an email attached to a Zoom account.

Tech requirements

How to access a Zoom Events:

• The Immigrant Defense Project requires all registrants to authenticate their profile in order to confirm the registrant’s identity. In order to attend a Zoom Event hosted by the Immigrant Defense Project, please follow the instructions. 
• Software prerequisites for Zoom Events attendees:
  • Basic, Pro, Business, Enterprise, or Education account
  • Zoom desktop client for Windows, macOS, or Linux: Global minimum version or higher
  • Zoom mobile app for Android or iOS: Global minimum version or higher
  • Desktop web browser:
    • Chromium Edge: 80 or higher
    • Google Chrome: 53.0.2785 or higher
    • Safari: 10.0.602.1.50 or higher
    • Firefox: 76 or higher
    • Internet Explorer: 10 or higher
• Note: For attendee access to the latest Zoom Events and Webinar features, we highly encourage attendees to update to the latest version of the Zoom desktop client/mobile application.

Zoom support links:

• Getting started as a Zoom Events Attendee

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to get CLE credit for attending?

Yes. IDP has been certified by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board as an Accredited Provider of Continuing Legal Education in the State of New York (2022–2025) in traditional and non-traditional formats. This transitional/non-transitional program has been approved in accordance with the requirements of the Continuing Legal Education Board for a maximum of 10.5 credit hours in Professional Practice credits.

Is there a fee for attending the program?

Yes. Please see the fees listed in the Zoom Events registration platform and group registration instructions. Financial aid is available for attorneys who wish to attend but are experiencing financial hardship. For financial aid information, email [email protected]. Deadline to apply for financial aid is September 10, 2025.

Who can I contact for other questions?

Reach out to us at [email protected] if you have other questions.