Defending Immigrants Impacted by Criminalization: Evolving Challenges and Legal Strategies 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. Attorneys can earn up to 9.5 CLE credits for attending.
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, on day one, the use and defense of the categorical approach to defend clients charged with removability or ineligibility for relief, key crim-imm case law updates, and the litigation of post-conviction relief cases in state court. On day two, sessions will address strategies for litigating immigration and habeas cases where a client has dismissed charges or unproven allegations and where a post-order client has obtained post-conviction relief. Finally, the seminar will include a session on immigration issues at the Supreme Court, as well as a session on developments in New York laws and policies designed to protect immigrant New Yorkers.
See below for session details
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.
Individual registration closes at 11:59 PM ET on October 22, 2026
Group registration closes at 11:59 PM ET on October 18, 2026
Agenda
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Lobby Opens at 9:45 am
10:15 am – 11:45 am: Using and Defending the Categorical Approach
This session will teach advocates how to use the categorical approach to defend clients and will discuss recent litigation issues.
12:15 am – 1:45 pm: Crim-Imm Case Law Update, 2025-2026
Overview of key crim-imm decisions over the last year, with a focus on the Second Circuit, Third Circuit, and precedential BIA decisions.
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: What Do New York Post-Conviction Relief Attorneys Look for When Accepting a Case?
Appellate defenders will discuss what makes a strong case for post-conviction relief, and teach advocates how these cases are litigated in state court.
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Lobby Opens at 9:45 am
10:15 am – 11:15 am: Addressing Dismissed Charges and Unproven Allegations Before IJs and USCIS
This training will address evidentiary burdens regarding criminal contact in the context of immigration litigation, and will present strategies for pushing back against such charges and allegations being used to deny relief or benefits.
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Challenging Removal Orders After Post-Conviction Relief: Motions to Reopen, Diligence, and Emerging Strategies
This session will discuss arguments and evidence practitioners should include in a motion to reopen (MTR) based on post-conviction relief, including related to timeliness, tolling, and diligence. We will also introduce new and emerging strategies to stop the deportation of immigrants whose removal order is based on a since-vacated conviction.
1:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Supreme Court Updates: Crim-Imm Cases, Emerging Risks, and Strategies to Protect Clients
This session will cover crim-imm cases at the Supreme Court, including decisions from the last term and cases expected to be argued this term. We will discuss what could be on the horizon for immigration cases at the Court, highlighting growing challenges and possible risks to favorable crim-imm precedent, and we will discuss strategies for protecting clients in the years ahead.
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: ICE Policing and Detention in New York
This session will discuss the laws that were passed during New York’s 2026 legislative session and how advocates are approaching their implementation.
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!
- Overall, 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.
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.
Individual registration closes at 11:59 PM ET on October 22, 2026
Group registration closes at 11:59 PM ET on October 18, 2026
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 (2022–2026) 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 9.5 credit hours in Professional Practice credits.
Is there a fee for attending the program?
Yes. Fees will be listed in the Zoom Events registration platform and group registration instructions. Financial aid will be available for attorneys who wish to attend but are experiencing financial hardship. For financial aid information, email [email protected].
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to attorneys facing financial hardship. To request financial assistance, please email [email protected] with a statement of need, including your salary and/or circumstances causing hardship and how this CLE is related to your work. Deadline to apply for financial aid is October 18, 2026.
Who can I contact for other questions?
Reach out to us at [email protected] if you have other questions.
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.