About CIJ

Interdisciplinary scholarship

The CIJ fosters the work of faculty, scholars and students within the law school and the broader Rutgers University Newark community who seek to understand immigration and citizenship law from an interdisciplinary perspective. By examining immigration laws, policies, regulations and practices from different views, including law, history, arts, culture, media, economics, political science, sociology and other fields, the CIJ aims to provide a broader understanding of the body of laws that determine who may enter, reside and become full members of the United States polity and the rights to which they are entitled while they are within this country.

The CIJ hosts workshop and lecture series to provide faculty, researchers and students the opportunity to present their work and receive feedback. It also offers mini-grants to support research projects among and between faculty and students, with a particular preference for those engaged in interdisciplinary work.

Legal and Policy Initiatives

The CIJ supports legal, policy and advocacy initiatives that protect the due process and equal protection rights of immigrants and their families.  By providing fellowships, CIJ supports students who work for the CIJ as Center Fellows and students who work for public interest organizations that represent immigrants.  Through legal and policy research, the CIJ highlights current issues facing non-citizens and recommends legal policy changes.  By taking on specific initiatives through the year, the CIJ advocates for greater inclusion and membership of immigrants and their families.

Public engagement

Public engagement on immigration and citizenship laws is necessary to strengthen and deepen our understanding of the development and adoption of laws that determine who may enter, reside and become full members of the United States polity and the rights to which they are entitled while they are within this country. By hosting colloquia series, conferences, forums and other events that are open to the public, the CIJ hopes to advance more equitable and inclusive laws and policies for all, citizens and non-citizens alike.