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South Asian legal organizations release toolkit to defend immigrants
The organizations denounced efforts to impeach judges over politically unfavorable rulings and the termination of federal employees en masse.
SABA’s statement comes in light of reports of South Asian immigrants being unlawfully detained, legal residents and U.S. citizens facing deportation, and green card holders being pressured to relinquish their status. / SABA
The South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America), along with its Foundation and the South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO), has condemnED recent deportation orders, judicial interference, and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The organization has launched an advocacy toolkit to help community members directly engage with elected officials.
SABA’s statement comes in light of reports of South Asian immigrants being unlawfully detained, legal residents and U.S. citizens facing deportation, and green card holders being pressured to relinquish their status. The organization also denounced efforts to impeach judges over politically unfavorable rulings and the termination of federal employees en masse.
Defending the rule of law
Calling the rule of law the “bedrock of our democracy,” SABA North America warned against political interference in legal decisions and the erosion of trust in the judiciary. “Attempts to undermine this principle—whether through disregard for legal procedures, political interference, or the refusal to accept lawful judicial decisions—pose a direct threat to our legal system,” the statement read.
SABA took particular aim at calls to impeach judges over politically sensitive rulings, calling it a “serious threat to the independence of the judiciary.” Quoting Chief Justice John Roberts, the statement emphasized that “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.”
Condemnation of deportations
Hardline immigration policies have disproportionately affected South Asians, according to SABA, with an uptick in deportations and reports of unjust detentions. “These actions tear apart families and ignore the human toll of such actions,” the statement read.
The organization also voiced alarm over calls to eliminate birthright citizenship and instances of green card holders being pressured into relinquishing their status at the border. SABA urged policymakers to pursue humane immigration reforms that emphasize family unity and human dignity.
Support for federal employees and DEI initiatives
SABA also addressed the recent termination of thousands of federal employees, pledging to support those affected through job transition programs, networking opportunities, and free registration for its annual conference in Denver in June. Additionally, the SABA Foundation is expanding resources for recent law school graduates interested in public interest work.
On the rollback of DEI programs, SABA underscored the need for inclusive policies across government, education, and the private sector. “The recent rollback of DEI initiatives has caused harm across multiple sectors,” the statement read, reaffirming its commitment to policies that promote equal opportunities for all individuals.
To mobilize the community, SABA North America has launched an advocacy toolkit that enables individuals to communicate directly with elected officials. “If we all seize this call to action, we will show our elected officials that these actions do not represent our interests and that we expect more from them,” the statement urged.
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