Departments

Rights and Justice

Rights & Justice works to combat systemic inequality through policies ensuring that everyone can exercise their rights and has an equal opportunity to thrive.

A protester holds up placards during a demonstration, June 2020. (Getty/Maranie R Staab/AFP)

What We're Doing

Closing the racial wealth gap

The racial wealth gap between white households and Black and brown households continues to grow wider. CAP is pursuing targeted policies that are necessary to reverse this deepening divide. A recent issue brief highlights the pandemic’s impact on the Black-white wealth gap.

Creating a pathway to citizenship

CAP is fighting for a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)-eligible individuals, and essential workers. Citizenship for undocumented immigrants is a crucial step toward a fair, humane, and workable immigration system.

Reducing overreliance on police

In October 2020, CAP partnered with the Law Enforcement Action Partnership on a report detailing the need to reduce reliance on law enforcement for all calls for service and instead create civilian community responder programs to respond to many categories of calls.

Advancing LGBTQ equality

In January, CAP published a report providing recommendations for how the Biden-Harris administration could advance LGBTQ equality. The report has since informed dozens of actions from the White House, including a day 1 executive order implementing protections for LGBTQ workers.

Recent work

Latest

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CAP Joined by National Security and Gun Violence Prevention Advocates To Urge Congress To Protect Firearm Export Rule Podcast

CAP Joined by National Security and Gun Violence Prevention Advocates To Urge Congress To Protect Firearm Export Rule

The Center for American Progress, along with 34 organizations, authored a letter to Congress about protecting the Commerce Department’s firearm export rule, which will establish a new regulatory framework to protect U.S. national security interests.

10th National Gun Violence Prevention Summit Past Event

10th National Gun Violence Prevention Summit

Join CAP for a summit featuring speeches and discussions by leading advocates of the gun violence prevention movement.

Center for American Progress

In U.S. v. Rahimi, Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Domestic Violence Survivor Safety but Upholds Problematic Bruen Framework Article
Photo shows a Supreme Court building partly lit inside, against a dark blue sky

In U.S. v. Rahimi, Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Domestic Violence Survivor Safety but Upholds Problematic Bruen Framework

On June 21, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that a sensible and effective gun violence prevention law protecting domestic violence survivors remains constitutional; however, the fact that survivor safety was compromised because of the politicization of the judiciary—and could be again in the future—should not be forgotten.

CAP Changemakers: Equality for All Past Event

CAP Changemakers: Equality for All

This conversation with Cait Smith and Winnie Stachelberg highlights CAP’s role in developing the Equality Act and current strides to make the country and world more equitable for LGBTQI+ communities.

Video Premiere

The Impacts of U.S. Gun Violence in Black, Latino, and Indigenous Communities Town Hall Past Event

The Impacts of U.S. Gun Violence in Black, Latino, and Indigenous Communities Town Hall

Join the Center for American Progress for a town hall that provides a binational perspective on the gun violence prevention movement, highlighting the efforts of U.S.-based and Mexico-based leaders.

Center for American Progress

Film Screening: ‘The 50’ Past Event

Film Screening: ‘The 50’

A documentary film about a groundbreaking mental health program in a California prison, told by the program’s first 50 participants. The film will be followed by a discussion with the film's director and subjects.

CAP Online | After registering, stream "The 50" during this timeframe:

Film Screening: ‘The 50’ (Online) Past Event

Film Screening: ‘The 50’ (Online)

A documentary film about a groundbreaking mental health program in a California prison, told by the program’s first 50 participants. The film will be followed by a discussion with the film's director and subjects.

CAP Online | Stream "The 50" on this webpage during this timeframe:

5 Connections Between Attacks on Abortion Care and Transgender Medical Care in Idaho Court Cases Article
Photo shows a group of people demonstrating in front of the Supreme Court building. One sign reads

5 Connections Between Attacks on Abortion Care and Transgender Medical Care in Idaho Court Cases

Two court cases originating in Idaho—Idaho v. United States and Poe v. Labrador—reveal five connections between attacks on abortion care and transgender medical care and highlight how the politicization of the judiciary is fueling the politicization of medicine.

Film Screening: ‘Columbine 2024: 25 Years of Trauma’ Past Event

Film Screening: ‘Columbine 2024: 25 Years of Trauma’

A documentary film that follows two survivors of the Columbine Shooting Massacre, followed by a panel discussion with the film's director and survivors.

Center For American Progress | 1333 H St. NW Suite 100E Washington DC 20005

CAP Joined by Gun Violence Victim Advocates To Comment on OVC’s Proposed Rules on Victim Compensation Grant Program Article

CAP Joined by Gun Violence Victim Advocates To Comment on OVC’s Proposed Rules on Victim Compensation Grant Program

The Center for American Progress, along with 47 organizations, submitted a comment letter advocating on behalf of victims to the U.S. Office for Victims of Crime on the agency’s proposal to replace the existing Victim Compensation Grant Program guidelines and clarify program requirements.

Nick Wilson, Chandler Hall

2023 Survey of DACA Recipients Highlights Economic Advancement, Continued Uncertainty Amid Legal Limbo Article
A group of people holding signs is seen with the U.S. Capitol building in the background.

2023 Survey of DACA Recipients Highlights Economic Advancement, Continued Uncertainty Amid Legal Limbo

The ninth annual survey of DACA recipients illustrates DACA’s role in empowering individuals and communities while strengthening the U.S. economy and highlights the need for a pathway to citizenship.

Community Violence Intervention: Juan Carter and Giffords Center for Violence Intervention Video

Community Violence Intervention: Juan Carter and Giffords Center for Violence Intervention

Juan Carter, outreach manager for the Giffords Center for Violence Intervention, explains how community violence intervention (CVI) programs take a holistic approach to public safety by investing in the long-term health and well-being of individuals affected by violence.

To Resolve the Humanitarian and Administrative Border Crisis, the U.S. Must Fix the Broken Asylum System, Help Stabilize the Western Hemisphere, and Provide Robust, Orderly Migration Pathways Article
Sunlight his the U.S. Capitol dome.

To Resolve the Humanitarian and Administrative Border Crisis, the U.S. Must Fix the Broken Asylum System, Help Stabilize the Western Hemisphere, and Provide Robust, Orderly Migration Pathways

The just-released Senate border deal is a sincere, bipartisan attempt to create much needed order at the U.S.-Mexico border; release pressure on the broken asylum system, resource agencies, and communities; and provide other targeted solutions across the immigration system. However, to achieve and sustain order at the border, Congress must more boldly address what drives migration in the region and must create accessible lawful pathways that are an alternative to asylum.

Executive Summary: How Federal Investments in Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Are Improving Public Health Fact Sheet
Photo shows a hand holding a clear glass underneath a running faucet

Executive Summary: How Federal Investments in Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Are Improving Public Health

This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center for American Progress report highlighting the use of federal investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to replace dangerous lead service lines and advance public health among vulnerable communities.

Community Violence Intervention: Susan Lee and Chicago CRED Video

Community Violence Intervention: Susan Lee and Chicago CRED

Susan Lee, chief of strategy and policy at Chicago CRED, explains why gun violence is a modern-day civil rights issue and how community violence intervention (CVI) strategies must be part of any public safety strategy to address racial inequity and structural violence.

DACA Recipients Bolster Social Security and Medicare Article
Activists listen during a news conference marking the 10th anniversary of DACA

DACA Recipients Bolster Social Security and Medicare

DACA recipients collectively earn nearly $27.9 billion and contribute nearly $2.1 billion to Social Security and Medicare each year, making the economy and their communities stronger.

Trinh Q. Truong, Silva Mathema

Community Violence Intervention: Denise Villamil and Southern California Crossroads Video

Community Violence Intervention: Denise Villamil and Southern California Crossroads

Denise Villamil, executive director of Southern California Crossroads, discusses how her own lived experience in a community with fewer opportunities has informed her holistic approach to community violence intervention.

9th Annual National Gun Violence Prevention Summit Past Event
Photo shows four people sitting on a stage, one holding a microphone, with an American flag in the background

9th Annual National Gun Violence Prevention Summit

Join CAP for a summit featuring speeches and discussions by leading advocates of the gun violence prevention movement.

Online

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Past Event
CAP IDEAS Conference logo

2023 CAP IDEAS Conference

Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future.

From the Front Lines: Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs Give Gun Violence Survivors Opportunities To Thrive Video

From the Front Lines: Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs Give Gun Violence Survivors Opportunities To Thrive

Chris Edge, a survivor-advocate from Washington, D.C., shares his story of triumph and why he credits a hospital-based violence intervention program with helping him become a leader in his community.

Nick Wilson, Chandler Hall, Hai-Lam Phan, 4 More Matthew Gossage, Ashley Joo, Ronnie Rivera, Ala Al Sadi

What Does Community Violence Intervention Mean? Hear From People on the Front Lines of Preventing Gun Violence Video

What Does Community Violence Intervention Mean? Hear From People on the Front Lines of Preventing Gun Violence

Community violence intervention workers from across the United States explain and reflect on their work in preventing violence in their communities.

Nick Wilson, Chandler Hall, Tymoni Correa-Buntley, 6 More Audrey Smith, Matthew Gossage, Ashley Joo, Hai-Lam Phan, Ronnie Rivera, Ala Al Sadi

Opinion: A smart and humane answer on immigration Article

Opinion: A smart and humane answer on immigration

Tom Jawetz and researchers from Texas A&M and the University of Virginia argue that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations may decrease some of the push factors that are causing Venezuelans and others to come to the United States.

CNN

Ben Helms, David Leblang, Tom Jawetz

Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis Fact Sheet

Executive Summary: A Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach to Tackling the Opioid Crisis

This fact sheet summarizes a recent Center for American Progress report outlining the need for a whole-of-government, society-wide approach to addressing the complex challenges posed by the opioid overdose epidemic.

Trinh Q. Truong, Debu Gandhi, Jill Rosenthal, 5 More Marquisha Johns, Mariam Rashid, Dan Restrepo, Akua Amaning, Cleo Bluthenthal

Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach Report
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents sift through packages in search of fentanyl.

Tackling the Opioid Crisis Requires a Whole-of-Government, Society-Wide Approach

The opioid epidemic is a complex public health crisis that can be ameliorated by addressing root causes of drug use; expanding access to treatment and harm reduction strategies; and reducing the supply of illicit opioids entering the United States.

Trinh Q. Truong, Debu Gandhi, Jill Rosenthal, 5 More Marquisha Johns, Mariam Rashid, Dan Restrepo, Akua Amaning, Cleo Bluthenthal

Transforming the Economy: Forging Black Economic Power Across America Past Event
Logos of CAP and NPWF over an image of a lighthouse.

Transforming the Economy: Forging Black Economic Power Across America

Join the Center for American Progress and the National Partnership of Women & Families on Martha’s Vineyard for a moderated panel which explores new ways to promote economic opportunity in Black communities.

Barn & Bowl Bistro

The Disproportionate Burden of Eviction on Black Women Report
Sun coming through clouds behind apartment building

The Disproportionate Burden of Eviction on Black Women

The United States continues to face an eviction crisis that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and that disproportionately affects communities of color, particularly Black women.

Cleo Bluthenthal

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, 1 Year Later Report
President Joe Biden

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, 1 Year Later

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first major federal gun safety bill passed in nearly 30 years, has closed gun law loopholes and implemented new gun violence prevention policies, as well as made significant investments in school and community safety that are saving lives.

Practical Solutions To Assist Cities and States Receiving Asylum-Seekers Across the U.S. Report
Migrants, who boarded a bus in Texas, are dropped off within view of the U.S. Capitol building.

Practical Solutions To Assist Cities and States Receiving Asylum-Seekers Across the U.S.

The uncoordinated busing and relocation of migrants and asylum-seekers poses various challenges to receiving cities and states across the country; but practical solutions at the local, state, and federal levels can turn these challenges into opportunities.

Zefitret Abera Molla

La súplica de una madre para detener el flujo de armas estadounidenses a México Video

La súplica de una madre para detener el flujo de armas estadounidenses a México

La activista de derechos humanos mexicana María Herrera Magdaleno discute el impacto devastador del flujo de armas estadounidenses hacia México, incluyendo la desaparición forzada de cuatro de sus hijos.

Nick Wilson, Andrew Sonntag, Rafael Medina, 4 More Gaby Blanco, Ala Al Sadi, Hai-Lam Phan, Julia Schroeder

A Place for Us: A Memoir, in Conversation With Brandon J. Wolf and Chasten Buttigieg Past Event
Cover art for

A Place for Us: A Memoir, in Conversation With Brandon J. Wolf and Chasten Buttigieg

Join Brandon J. Wolf, Chasten Buttigieg, and the Center for American Progress for an armchair conversation to discuss LGBTQI+ rights, gun violence prevention, and finding purpose and power through tragedy.

Center for American Progress

Safe Streets for All: An Opportunity To Rethink Traffic Enforcement Article
A police officer directs traffic in Highland Park, Illinois.

Safe Streets for All: An Opportunity To Rethink Traffic Enforcement

The Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All program can be leveraged to support community-level innovation in roadway safety efforts, including by rethinking traffic enforcement strategies to improve the physical and psychological safety of Black drivers and others on the road.

Allie Preston

America Needs Better Data on Race and Ethnicity In the News

America Needs Better Data on Race and Ethnicity

Rose Khattar and Edwith Theogene lay out glaring omissions in the way that the United States collects data on race and ethnicity and call for improvements to the processes.

The Messenger

Rose Khattar, Edwith Theogene

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