The International Academy of Trial Lawyers adopts the following resolution:
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF TRIAL LAWYERS RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF FAIR AND HUMANE IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM LAWS AND LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUCH MATTERS
WHEREAS, the United States of America is a nation of immigrants, whose societal fabric, economy and culture are reinvigorated by new arrivals from around the globe;
WHEREAS, since its founding, the United States has embraced the concept of being a beacon of liberty in the world where asylum seekers and immigrants of every background can pursue a better life for themselves and their families;
WHEREAS, asylum seekers facing life-threatening circumstances have long looked to America for sanctuary and continue so to do;
WHEREAS, the Academy espouses the ideal of worldwide protection of human rights through fair and humane laws and legal systems; and
WHEREAS, every country should, from both a legal and moral standpoint, uphold and implement fair and humane immigration and asylum laws and policies;
WHEREAS, current immigration and asylum laws and policies in the United States have resulted in an increased need for legal assistance in immigration and asylum matters;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF TRIAL LAWYERS
(a) exhorts all countries to adopt and maintain fair and humane immigration and asylum laws and policies which respect and protect human rights, and (b) encourages lawyers to provide pro-bono legal assistance to those in need of legal counsel in immigration or asylum matters.
Sincerely,
Cliff Edwards
IATL President