Fellows, When Roman Silberfeld delivered his Dean’s address in Austin, the real story of who and why America is the product of immigration was shared. I watched it again today, urge you to do likewise, and share it with anyone you know. In that address, Roman said, “History has its eyes on us.” Profound and prophetic then and now.
The news about what is happening to children at the U.S. border is painful to see and hear. I imagine that, like me, you continue to hear the cries of the children even after you turn off your television. These events are painful and offensive to human decency and to the Rule of Law.
To be clear, there is no law or court case mandating the separation of these children from their parents. This practice is the result of a recent enforcement change from mainly civil deportation proceedings – where families could stay together – to criminal proceedings – where they do not. It is also occurring despite the fact that many of those affected are valid asylum seekers who are not penalized for illegal entry. Even if you disagree with this assessment, the question remains: do we want to live in a country that treats children like this?
The United Nations condemns this practice as abusive, and indeed it is. Until now, no administration, nor any prior Attorney General, has endangered children in this manner in order to foster its immigration goals. This is an unnecessarily cruel administration of justice.
Already Fellows of this Academy are taking action. Joe Longley becomes President of the Texas State Bar on Friday, and he and others are mobilizing and training lawyers to respond and represent these children and families. Joe and I spoke this morning and he and I agreed to work in concert and he welcomes IATL support. We are drafting a public statement that will be released shortly. I know other Fellows are also lending their voices and talents to address this “hostage” situation.
What else can we do? The Academy is dedicated to supporting the Rule of Law and facilitating the proper administration of justice, and as such, I encourage you to become involved in efforts to stop this practice, whether by contacting your representatives, donating to RAICES, or actively volunteering with Immigration Justice. Immigration Justice has many opportunities for Academy member involvement, from remote bond hearings to administrative support, and provides all the training needed for participation.
I look forward to hearing what you are doing to prevent this atrocity. You have our full support.
Sincerely,
J. Mark White, President
International Academy of Trial Lawyers