2026 Seminar

Defending Immigrants Impacted by Criminalization:
Legal Strategies and Evolving Challenges

SAVE THE DATE! October 28 & 29

This October 28 & 29, IDP will be holding our annual online seminar, Defending Immigrants Impacted by Criminalization: Evolving Challenges and Legal Strategies, for attorneys representing immigrants with criminal legal system contacts.

Over two days, our expert faculty will cover new developments in case law, emerging litigation strategies, and related local and federal policies in courses providing up to 9.5 CLE credit hours for experienced attorneys. The program is designed to be useful and engaging for both introductory and advanced immigration law practitioners.  Tuition assistance will be available upon request. Please fill out this form if you would like to be notified when registration opens.

Tentative schedule:

Wednesday, October 28 – 10:00 am – 3:45pm ET

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 – 10:00 am – 4:15pm ET

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Navigating Immigration State Policy Shift: 2026 NY Immigration Protections Bill in Practice
    • This session will discuss the laws that were passed during New York’s 2026 legislative session and how advocates are approaching their implementation.

General registration will open September 14, 2025.

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 I’m glad I came.  I can’t 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.
  • This was great and very helpful in light of so many changes constantly being thrown at us these days. Thank you!