In an alarming abuse of power, President Trump released a memo on Saturday, March 22, authorizing the Homeland Security Secretary and the Attorney General to issue sanctions against those in the legal profession who file “frivolous” lawsuits against the United States. The memo singles out immigration lawyers and makes false accusations of fraud.
Immigration Law & Justice Network recognizes this for what it is: the administration’s attempt to intimidate, silence, and harass lawyers who defend our constitution, our right to due process, and our legal systems. We denounce the Trump administration’s shameful attacks on lawyers, law firms, and judges and stand in solidarity with the courageous legal workers in our network and in our field who are working vigorously to protect immigrants and other vulnerable populations.
“President Trump has destroyed our immigration system in just two months with a myriad of cruel and lawless policies to enforce his mass deportation agenda,” says Alba Jaramillo, co-executive director of ILJ Network. “These policies include enacting the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 (in the absence of war), ending birthright citizenship, eliminating funding for refugees and unaccompanied minors, ending Temporary Protected Status for over half a million people, and closing the border to asylum seekers.
“It is painful to imagine what will remain of our immigration system and our civil rights at the conclusion of Trump’s presidency. Our ability to challenge these actions in court is the only recourse we have available to protect our rights, our immigrant communities, and our democracy.”
Reverend Joe Kim, ILJ Network board Advocacy Chair and Lead Pastor at Bothell United Methodist Church, further states, “I cannot fathom a world driven by hate and fear of the ‘other,’ and yet, both local and federal governments are actively working to disrupt and dismantle organizations fighting for the rights of the most marginalized among us.
“Immigration Law & Justice’s work becomes even more imperative at a time such as this. Our hearts and our actions will remain committed to centering immigrant communities, and our collective work will endure the attempts to silence and undercut our pursuit of justice.”
We hope you will continue to stand with us against this latest assault on our democratic principles. Please consider donating today to support our fight to protect and defend immigrants across the United States.