Access

Judge Curbs Immigration Lawsuit Against ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ Citing Detainees’ Legal Access

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Miami — A federal judge has dismissed part of a lawsuit filed by immigrant advocates against a Miami-area detention center known informally as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The suit was challenged on the grounds that many plaintiffs have had access to legal representation, prompting the decision to transfer the case to a different jurisdiction. U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz, appointed during the Trump administration, made the ruling soon after a Monday hearing in which lawyers for the detainees sought a requirement for increased legal access at the facility. In his overnight ruling, Judge Ruiz noted several changes … Read more

San Jose State’s Quest for Legal Education: New Bill Aims to Introduce Joint Programs with Lincoln Law School Amidst Ongoing Debates on Access and Accreditation

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San Jose, California — The future of legal education in Silicon Valley is under scrutiny as a new legislative proposal aims to enhance access to law degrees by allowing San Jose State University to collaborate with the Lincoln Law School of San Jose. This shift comes amidst a broader conversation about the state’s Master Plan for Higher Education, which currently restricts public law schools to the University of California system. State Senator Dave Cortese, the proposal’s author and a graduate of Lincoln Law School, initially introduced a bill that would facilitate a merger between San … Read more

Federal Court Blocks DHS Access to Medicaid Data, Safeguarding Patient Privacy Amid Immigration Enforcement Concerns

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SEATTLE — A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Department of Homeland Security from utilizing Medicaid data obtained from Washington and 19 other states for immigration enforcement activities. This decision also restricts the Department of Health and Human Services from sharing Medicaid information with DHS. The injunction was granted in response to a lawsuit initiated by a coalition led by Washington and California on July 1. The suit claims that the transfer of Medicaid data violates legal protections and seeks to halt any further use of this information for immigration purposes. Washington … Read more