IJC statement on Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

Jojo Annobil, CEO of Immigrant Justice Corps, issued the following statement in response to a recent executive order affecting the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, a student debt relief mechanism for graduates seeking careers in public service. The order could eliminate the eligibility in the program for certain organizations who previously qualified, including those working with immigrants: 

“PSLF is essential in sustaining talented, committed advocates to pursue careers in public service, strengthening the immigration system, and ensuring that people from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to legal representation. When we incentivize young attorneys to represent immigrants—often in complex, high-stakes cases—we improve the system for everyone, ensuring due process, delivering better case outcomes, and making immigration proceedings fairer and more efficient. 

“We should be expanding incentives to attract passionate advocates into this field, instead of discouraging talented individuals from pursuing nonprofit service careers, due to crushing debt. IJC has graduated 10 years of Fellows, with over 90% of alumni dedicating their careers to nonprofit legal services – —these committed advocates deserve every protection they were promised. A well-resourced legal community speeds up case resolution, protects fundamental rights, and keeps our immigration system functioning. 

“Immigrant Justice Corps remains committed to policies that invest in the next generation of public service lawyers. We will continue advocating for solutions that both enhance legal representation and protect everyone’s fundamental right to access to justice.”