President Trump has issued an Executive Order attempting to vilify immigration lawyers for fulfilling our duty of zealously advocating for our clients. This is an attack on due process and an attempt to silence those who work to protect the most vulnerable among us. As immigration attorneys, we have taken a solemn oath to uphold the Constitution, conduct ourselves with integrity, and faithfully discharge our duties as officers of the court. The Trump administration’s attack on immigration lawyers is unfounded and dangerous.
AILA, the American Immigrant Lawyers Association, has taken a public stand against the EO. AILA’s statement, available in full at https://www.aila.org/library/aila-rejects-administration-s-dangerous-restrictions-on-immigration-attorneys, is reproduced below:
AILA Stands Firm Against Administration’s Threats to Immigration Attorneys
On March 22, 2025, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) issued a powerful statement rejecting the Trump Administration’s recent memo targeting immigration attorneys. This directive, which orders sanctions, reviews, and stricter oversight of lawyers in asylum and immigration cases, has been condemned as a dangerous assault on the legal profession.
AILA President Kelli Stump reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. She emphasized that AILA members have sworn to defend the Constitution and faithfully discharge their duties as officers of the court. Stump declared that AILA and its members will not be intimidated by political pressures, stating, “This is not just about immigration lawyers; this is about the integrity of our legal system and the principles of due process and equal protection under the law.”
Executive Director Benjamin Johnson echoed these sentiments, characterizing the administration’s actions as “a dangerous assault on the legal profession.” He underscored the essential role of attorneys in maintaining a balanced system of justice and their ethical obligation to advocate zealously for their clients within the bounds of the law.
As immigration attorneys, we stand united with AILA in defending the rights of immigrants and upholding our ethical obligations. We will continue to provide fair legal representation to those in need, regardless of the challenges posed by this administration.
