Case: Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island v. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

1:26-cv-00132 | U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island

Filed Date: March 5, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

[This summary is temporary while we research this case.] On March 5, 2026, a group of nonprofits committed to providing immigration services, filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island against the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), USCIS Director, Joseph Edlow, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and former DHS director, Kristi Noem. Plaintiffs challenge four policies (recently enacted by USCIS with the express goal of intimidating noncitizens livi…

[This summary is temporary while we research this case.]

On March 5, 2026, a group of nonprofits committed to providing immigration services, filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island against the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), USCIS Director, Joseph Edlow, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and former DHS director, Kristi Noem. Plaintiffs challenge four policies (recently enacted by USCIS with the express goal of intimidating noncitizens living in the U.S., making life so unbearable here that they are forced to leave, and, if necessary, manufacturing conditions to remove them from the country. These policies have allegedly flung noncitizens living in the U.S. into an indefinite state of limbo, confusion, and uncertainty. Long-term residents who have waited years to secure a green card now have reason to believe they will never be granted permanent legal status. Laborers face the prospect of losing their work permits, their livelihood, and their ability to provide for their families. And eligible asylum seekers who came to this country fleeing persecution are confronting the likelihood that they will never be granted the refuge they seek.  

This case is ongoing.

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72369535/parties/dorcas-international-institute-of-rhode-island-v-united-states-citizenship/


Judge(s)

McConnell, John James (Rhode Island)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Romero, Amy Retsinas (Rhode Island)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:26-cv-00132

Complaint

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72369535/dorcas-international-institute-of-rhode-island-v-united-states-citizenship/

Last updated June 4, 2026, 3:32 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT ( filing fee paid $ 405.00, receipt number ARIDC-2250908 ), filed by Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts, Service Employees International Union, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, Refugee Dream Center, American Gateways, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, African Communities Together. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A - Nov 27 Memo, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit B - Dec 2 Memo, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit C - Jan 1 Memo, # 4 Civil Cover Sheet, # 5 USCIS Summons, # 6 Edlow Summons, # 7 DHS Summons, # 8 Noem Summons, # 9 USAG Summons, # 10 USAO Summons)(Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/05/2026)

1 Exhibit Exhibit A - Nov 27 Memo

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Exhibit B - Dec 2 Memo

View on PACER

3 Exhibit Exhibit C - Jan 1 Memo

View on PACER

4 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

5 USCIS Summons

View on PACER

6 Edlow Summons

View on PACER

7 DHS Summons

View on PACER

8 Noem Summons

View on PACER

9 USAG Summons

View on PACER

10 USAO Summons

View on PACER

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

Clearinghouse
2

CASE OPENING NOTICE ISSUED (Simoncelli, Michael) (Entered: 03/05/2026)

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

3

Corporate Disclosure Statement by African Communities Together, American Gateways, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, Refugee Dream Center, Service Employees International Union, Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/05/2026)

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

4

Summons Issued as to Department of Homeland Security, Joseph Edlow, Kristi Noem, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General. (Simoncelli, Michael) (Entered: 03/05/2026)

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

Case Assigned/Reassigned

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

Case assigned to Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. and Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan. (Simoncelli, Michael)

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

5

MOTION for Kevin Love Hubbard to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2251447 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

6

MOTION for Ryan Cooper to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2251448 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

7

MOTION for Anashua Dutta to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2251453 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

8

MOTION for Catherine M.A. Carroll to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2251454 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

9

MOTION for Robin Thurston to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2251456 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/06/2026)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 5 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Kevin Love Hubbard. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/6/2026. (Hill, Cherelle)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 6 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Ryan Cooper. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/6/2026. (Hill, Cherelle)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 7 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Anashua Dutta. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/6/2026. (Hill, Cherelle)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 8 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Catherine M.A Carroll. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/6/2026. (Hill, Cherelle)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 9 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Robin F. Thurston. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/6/2026. (Hill, Cherelle)

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

10

MOTION for Kristy Blumeyer-Martinez to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2252076 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

11

MOTION for Mona Iman to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2252080 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 10 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Kristy Blumeyer-Martinez. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/9/2026. (Hill, Cherelle)

March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 11 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Mona Iman. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/9/2026. (Hill, Cherelle)

March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026

12

Joint MOTION for Expedited Summary Judgment Briefing Schedule and To Waive Statements of Undisputed Facts filed by All Plaintiffs. Responses due by 3/27/2026. (Hubbard, Kevin) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

RECAP
13

NOTICE of Appearance by Kevin Bolan on behalf of Department of Homeland Security, Joseph Edlow, Kristi Noem, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (Bolan, Kevin) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

14

MOTION for Kalpana V. Peddibhotla to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2255225 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

15

MOTION for Anisa Rahim to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2255229 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/17/2026)

March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 12 Joint MOTION for Expedited Summary Judgment Briefing Schedule and To Waive Statements of Undisputed Facts: Defendants will produce and file the administrative record by 3/25/26; Plaintiffs will file their motion for summary judgment by 4/3/26; Defendants will file a cross-motion for summary judgment and response to Plaintiffs' motion by 4/24/26; Plaintiffs will file a reply and response to the cross-motion for summary judgment by 5/1/26; and, Defendants will file a reply re: the cross-motion by 5/8/26. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/17/2026. (Jackson, Ryan)

March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 14 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Kalpana V. Peddibhotla. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/17/2026. (Gonzalez Gomez, Viviana)

March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 15 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Anisa Rahim. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/17/2026. (Gonzalez Gomez, Viviana)

March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

16

ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD filed by Department of Homeland Security, Joseph Edlow, Markwayne Mullin, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 -- PA-2025-26, # 2 Exhibit 2 -- PM-602-0192, # 3 Exhibit 3 -- PM-602-0194)(Bolan, Kevin) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

1 Exhibit 1 -- PA-2025-26

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit 2 -- PM-602-0192

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit 3 -- PM-602-0194

View on RECAP

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

RECAP

TEXT ORDER: Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 25(d), Markwayne Mullin has been substituted for Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in this action. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/25/2026. (Simoncelli, Michael)

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

Order AND ~Util - Add and Terminate Parties

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

17

MOTION for Golnaz Fakhimi to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2259098 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

18

MOTION for Abbey Rutherford to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2259101 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

19

MOTION for Melissa Keaney to Appear Pro Hac Vice ( filing fee paid $ 100.00, receipt number ARIDC-2259102 ) filed by All Plaintiffs. (Romero, Amy) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 17 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Golnaz Fakhimi. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/30/2026. (Hill, Cherelle)

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 18 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Abbey Rutherford. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/30/2026. (Hill, Cherelle)

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 19 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Melissa Keaney. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 3/30/2026. (Hill, Cherelle)

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

20

MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by All Plaintiffs. Responses due by 4/17/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Supporting Memorandum, # 2 Exhibit A (Sique), # 3 Exhibit B (Bah), # 4 Exhibit C (Medina Neuman), # 5 Exhibit D (Sweeney), # 6 Exhibit E (Velasquez), # 7 Exhibit F (Kassa), # 8 Exhibit G (Sahid), # 9 Exhibit H (Yang))(Cooper, Ryan) (Entered: 04/03/2026)

1 Supporting Memorandum

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit A (Sique)

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit B (Bah)

View on RECAP

4 Exhibit C (Medina Neuman)

View on RECAP

5 Exhibit D (Sweeney)

View on RECAP

6 Exhibit E (Velasquez)

View on RECAP

7 Exhibit F (Kassa)

View on RECAP

8 Exhibit G (Sahid)

View on RECAP

9 Exhibit H (Yang)

View on RECAP

April 3, 2026

April 3, 2026

RECAP
21

Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment, Mot. to Dismiss (Fifth Amendment Claims), and Opposition to Pls.' Summary Judgment Motion filed by All Defendants. Responses due by 5/8/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. 1 -- Good Decl. (Mar. 3, 2026), # 2 Exhibit Ex. 2 -- USCIS Update (Mar. 30, 2026))(Bolan, Kevin) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

1 Exhibit Ex. 1 -- Good Decl. (Mar. 3, 2026)

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit Ex. 2 -- USCIS Update (Mar. 30, 2026)

View on RECAP

April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

RECAP
22

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney filed by African Communities Together, American Gateways, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans, Refugee Dream Center, Service Employees International Union, Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts. Responses due by 5/8/2026. (Fakhimi, Golnaz) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

RECAP

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 22 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Golnaz Fakhimi terminated. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 4/27/2026. (Jackson, Ryan)

April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026

23

RESPONSE In Opposition to 21 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment, Mot. to Dismiss (Fifth Amendment Claims), and Opposition to Pls.' Summary Judgment Motion filed by All Plaintiffs. Replies due by 5/8/2026. (Cooper, Ryan) (Entered: 05/01/2026)

May 1, 2026

May 1, 2026

RECAP
24

Assented MOTION for an Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief,, filed by All Defendants. Responses due by 5/19/2026. (Bolan, Kevin) (Entered: 05/05/2026)

May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

RECAP

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

TEXT ORDER granting 24 Motion for Extension of Time to File Reply re 20 MOTION for Summary Judgment; Replies due by 5/11/2026 by 5 PM. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 5/5/2026. (Jackson, Ryan)

May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

Notice of Hearing on Motion

May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

NOTICE of Hearing on 20 MOTION for Summary Judgment and 21 Cross-MOTION for Summary Judgment: Motion Hearing scheduled for Thursday 5/21/2026 at 2:00 PM in Courtroom 1 before Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. (Jackson, Ryan)

May 5, 2026

May 5, 2026

25

REPLY to Response re 23 Response to Motion, filed by All Defendants. (Bolan, Kevin) (Entered: 05/11/2026)

May 11, 2026

May 11, 2026

RECAP
26

NOTICE by Department of Homeland Security, Joseph Edlow, Markwayne Mullin, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services re 21 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment, Mot. to Dismiss (Fifth Amendment Claims), and Opposition to Pls.' Summary Judgment Motion (Bolan, Kevin) (Entered: 05/15/2026)

May 15, 2026

May 15, 2026

RECAP

Order

May 19, 2026

May 19, 2026

TEXT ORDER: At the hearing on the Motions for Summary Judgment Thursday, 5/21/26, the Court will allot up to 30 minutes to the Plaintiffs, 45 minutes to the Defendants, and 15 minutes to the Plaintiffs for rebuttal. The parties should plan to concentrate any arguments on the issues of standing and the merits of the APA claims. So Ordered by Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. on 5/19/2026. (Jackson, Ryan)

May 19, 2026

May 19, 2026

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr.: Motion Hearing held on 5/21/2026 re: 20 MOTION for Summary Judgment and 21 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment: Counsel present: K. Love Hubbard, A. Romero, R. Cooper; K. Bolan, R. Vyas. Plaintiffs (Hubbard and Cooper) argue their motion for Summary Judgment; questioned by the Court. Defendant (Bolan) responds and argues its own Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment; questioned by the Court. Plaintiffs give brief reply arguments and are further questioned by the Court. The Court takes the matter under advisement. Adjourned. (Court Reporter D. Webb in Courtroom 1 at 2:00 PM) (Jackson, Ryan)

May 21, 2026

May 21, 2026

Motion Hearing

May 21, 2026

May 21, 2026

Motion Hearing

May 27, 2026

May 27, 2026

27

TRANSCRIPT ORDER for proceedings held on 05/21/2026 before Judge John J. McConnell, Jr.. 3-Day Transcript Selected. Transcript to be delivered within 3 calendar days.. (Hill, Cherelle) (Entered: 06/03/2026)

June 3, 2026

June 3, 2026

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Rhode Island

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 5, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Case Details

Other Dockets:

District of Rhode Island 1:26-cv-00132

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Recommended Citation