Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND)

@maldef.bsky.social

2.1K followers 73 following 210 posts

Founded in 1968, MALDEF is the nation’s leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Our commitment is to protect and defend the rights of all Latinos living in the U.S. and the constitutional rights of all Americans.

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Nov 25

🌟 Welcome to MALDEF's official Bluesky account! 🌟Since 1968, the MALDEF has been dedicated to protecting and expanding the civil rights of the Latino community through litigation, advocacy, and education. Join us to stay updated on our work and your rights. ✊🏽 Learn more at maldef.org

MALDEF | The Latino Legal Voice for Civil Rights in America

MALDEF is the nation's leading Latino legal civil rights organization. Our commitment is to protect and defend the rights of all Latinos living in the United States and hthe constitutional rights of a...

maldef.org

4 16 36

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · 4d

MALDEF President & General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz discussed our defense of the Texas Dream Act, which pioneered regular tuition rates for undocumented students. Since this interview, we have filed an appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. www.maldef.org/3dku

Austin InSight | Dreamers and Tuition | Season 2025 | Episode 38

Texas ends its pioneering tuition policy for Dreamers. Advocates and an impacted student speak out.

www.maldef.org

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · 4d

In June, the DOJ sued Texas over its Dream Act, which allows immigrant students to qualify for the same regular tuition rate as most other students at Texas public colleges. MALDEF President & General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz explains why we are appealing a court decision to defend the Texas law.

2 3

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · 8d

⚖️ MALDEF continues in federal court following the Wednesday start of a hearing to challenge Texas’s attempt to push forward mid-cycle redistricting maps. Learn more: www.maldef.org/8fk8

Federal court to hear case challenging Texas’ new congressional map ahead of midterm elections | Houston Public Media

In a case that figures to have national ramifications, civil rights groups argue the state’s mid-decade congressional redistricting plan amounts to racial gerrymandering, making it unconstitutional. T...

www.maldef.org

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · 9d

Parties in the Texas-led challenge to DACA filed court-ordered briefs on possible next steps in the case. MALDEF has been fighting to preserve DACA since 2018. Read a statement from our President & General Counsel, Thomas A. Saenz, on the recent filings: www.maldef.org/r4ez

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · 18d

On Sept.8, the Supreme Court granted a stay pending appeal in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo. In a 6–3 decision, an injunction was lifted, allowing immigration enforcement practices in L.A. to resume during the appeal. Read our explainer of Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s opinion www.maldef.org/Resources

Resources - MALDEF

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.22.1" _module_preset="default" use_background_color_gradient="on" background_color_gradient_stops="rgba(34,34,34,0) 0%|#000000 100%" background_color_gr...

www.maldef.org

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · 20d

⚖️ California just took a historic step. With Gov. Gavin Newsom signing SB 627, banning extreme masking by law enforcement— putting transparency, accountability, and safety first. The No Secret Police Act was sponsored by MALDEF, Prosecutors Alliance Action, and IC4IJ. www.maldef.org/lhn9

CALIFORNIA GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM SIGNS BILL BANNING EXTREME MASKING BY LAW ENFORCEMENT - MALDEF

LOS ANGELES – California Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed into law the No Secret Police Act, or SB 627, a landmark measure that prohibits local and federal law enforcement officers from concealing their...

www.maldef.org

1 1

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · 20d

Recent arrests of DACA recipients under the current administration are raising serious concerns. Legal protections for immigrants brought here as children are being violated nationwide. MALDEF President & General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz weighed in on this issue: www.maldef.org/3v16

Recent DACA arrests raise alarm among legal advocates

A group counts at least 18 cases where recipients of the DACA program have been deported or are at risk of being deported after being detained by immigration authorities.

www.maldef.org

1 1 2

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · 23d

Looking for money for college? Check out MALDEF’s updated 2026-2027 Scholarship Resource Guide; many are offered regardless of immigration status: www.maldef.org/qjeb

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · 29d

🎙️ MALDEF’s Thomas A. Saenz joined Tim Miller on @thebulwark.com to discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling on ICE racial profiling in LA and our case on behalf of Job Garcia — a U.S. citizen unlawfully detained by ICE. Watch the podcast episode here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=m20U...

Trump’s Hedge Fund Defenders Are Full of It (w/ Stephanie Ruhle & Tom Saenz) | Bulwark Podcast

YouTube video by The Bulwark

www.youtube.com

1 2

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Sep 10

Lea la declaración de MALDEF sobre la decisión de la Corte Suprema de permitir que ICE utilice el perfil racial en Los Ángeles. El presidente de MALDEF, Thomas A. Saenz, condena el fallo, afirmando que pone en peligro a las comunidades latinas. www.maldef.org/xxa3

Truenan contra "peligrosa" decisión del Supremo que permite arrestos migratorios con base en perfil racial - El Diario NY

Denuncian que el fallo se traducirá en mayor erosión de la confianza pública en las autoridades y en más discriminación racial

www.maldef.org

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Sep 9

Redistricting should strengthen democracy and ensure fair representation; Texas’ mid-cycle redistricting undermines these principles. MALDEF remains committed to challenging racial gerrymandering wherever it occurs. www.maldef.org/ym7i%E2%80%8B

1 2

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Sep 8

Read MALDEF’s statement on today’s Supreme Court decision to allow ICE to use racial profiling in Los Angeles. MALDEF Pres. Thomas Saenz condemns the ruling, saying it endangers Latino communities and violates constitutional rights. Read the full statement: www.maldef.org/1wjz

2 2

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Sep 4

The Trump administration is pushing to end in-state tuition for undocumented students nationwide. But California’s AB 540 law provides a stronger defense against the administration’s efforts, MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas Saenz tells LAist. www.maldef.org/6z5d

Trump is pushing to end in-state tuition for undocumented students across the country. How will California respond?

When President Donald Trump took office in January, nearly two dozen states allowed their respective undocumented students to pay in-state college tuition. That number is quickly diminishing.

www.maldef.org

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Sep 2

MALDEF is asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit for an en banc review to rehear a case challenging an Arkansas law that limits who can assist voters, including those who need language assistance. MALDEF continues to fight for the voting rights of all. www.maldef.org/002n

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Sep 1

MALDEF President & General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz joined partner organizations to respond to calls for a mid-decade census and attempts to exclude non-citizens from apportionment counts — distractions from the real priority: ensuring a fair and accurate 2030 Census. www.maldef.org/k50o

Your browser isn’t supported anymore. Update it to get the best YouTube experience and our latest features. Learn more

www.maldef.org

1 1

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Aug 30

MALDEF, on behalf of a group of students, is standing up against a U.S.-government lawsuit that could eliminate in-state tuition for undocumented students in Kentucky. Learn more about our recent case here: www.maldef.org/nky9

MALDEF SEEKS TO INTERVENE ON BEHALF OF STUDENTS TO DEFEND KENTUCKY TUITION POLICY - MALDEF

FRANKFORT, KY – A Latino civil rights organization has filed a motion to intervene in a federal-government lawsuit seeking to eliminate the regular tuition rates paid by most students in Kentucky for ...

www.maldef.org

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Aug 29

Illinois took a major step to protect the rights of all students—regardless of immigration status. Thanks to advocates like MALDEF and our partners, H.B. 3247 prohibits schools from sharing certain information related to immigration status. .https://www.maldef.org/9q0x

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Aug 28

Join MALDEF in San Antonio, Texas, for our 2025 San Antonio Awards Gala as we celebrate champions of civil rights and justice! ✨

📍 The Westin Riverwalk
📌 Friday, Sept. 26, 2025
🍸 Reception | 6:00 PM
🍽️ Dinner & Awards | 7:00 PM

Secure your tickets! www.maldef.org/lv9n

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Aug 28

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has rejected appeals trying to overturn the court-drawn Yakima Valley map, upholding protections for Latino voters. www.maldef.org/7qzd

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Aug 26

The Trump administration’s legal challenges to in-state tuition threaten access to higher education for undocumented students nationwide. MALDEF is appealing the Texas case to ensure immigrant students are not unfairly denied the chance to pursue a college education. www.maldef.org/kqnq

After Texas deal, Trump seeks to widen ban on in-state tuition for noncitizens

Texas quickly dropped its college tuition policy after an administration challenge, upending the academic plans of tens of thousands of undocumented students.

www.maldef.org

2 3

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Aug 26

Thomas A. Saenz, Presidente y Asesor Jurídico General de MALDEF, habló sobre cómo los nuevos mapas de distritos electorales en Texas buscan impedir que las comunidades minoritarias ganen representación. Obtén más información aquí: www.maldef.org/78nz

Estalla la batalla por la redistribución de distritos electorales - La Opinión

Los legisladores de California aprobaron elecciones especiales para contrarrestar el intento republicano en Texas por tener más poder en el Congreso

www.maldef.org

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Aug 26

At a media briefing with @amcommmedia.bsky.social Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF president & general counsel, explained how Texas’s redistricting plan advantages Republicans and violates the Voting Rights Act.
📺 Watch here: www.maldef.org/uz10

Texas’ Efforts to Favor Republicans in Congressional Maps Disadvantages Minority Voters

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.maldef.org

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Aug 23

A DACA recipient in NYC was denied an auto loan by Municipal Credit Union solely due to his immigration status, violating federal law. MALDEF will keep fighting against discriminatory practices. Learn more: www.maldef.org/33pg

MALDEF FILES CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT CHALLENGING DISCRIMINATORY POLICY OF A NEW YORK CREDIT UNION - MALDEF

NEW YORK — A Latino civil rights organization filed a class-action lawsuit against a New York-based credit union for denying access to loan products to recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arri...

www.maldef.org

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Aug 22

MALDEF President & General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz received a Lifetime Achievement Award from SVREP for his decades of dedication to justice and equality for the Latino community. He continues to be a powerful advocate and change agent for civil rights nationwide.

1 1

MALDEF (MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND) @maldef.bsky.social · Aug 20

A federal judge has allowed to move forward a lawsuit against a property management company that denied a lease to a DACA recipient in New Jersey. MALDEF defends the rights of all immigrants to engage economically. www.maldef.org/v0n9

FEDERAL COURT DENIES PROPERTY COMPANY’S MOTION TO DISMISS IN HOUSING DISCRIMINATION CASE - MALDEF

NEW JERSEY — A federal court has denied a motion to dismiss filed by two defendants in a housing discrimination lawsuit challenging their policy of refusing to rent to recipients of Deferred Action fo...