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For Release: Immediate
June 26, 2012
Contact: Mark Mahoney
Associate Director, Media Services
MMahoney@nysba.org
518-487-5532
NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION ISSUES REPORT ON CRISIS IN IMMIGRANT
LEGAL REPRESENTATION, CALLS FOR REFORMS
The New York State Bar Association today issued a report that
spotlights a crisis in the quality and availability of legal
representation of immigrants in New York and makes recommendations for
improvement, including written standards for immigration
representation.
The report of the Special Committee on Immigration Representation
cites a “dire” shortage of attorneys qualified in
immigration issues, insufficient safeguards to protect immigrants from
unauthorized or unqualified practitioners, and the need for more
educational programs and pro bono participation to assist low-income
immigrants.
The report singles out amendments made to federal immigration laws in
1996 relating to terrorism and illegal immigration as having
“contributed significantly” to the current crisis.
“The 1996 amendments, which imposed draconian consequences on
unsuspecting immigrants, have made the provision of competent legal
representation an overwhelming and daunting task,” the report
states.
Immigrants subjected to immigration removal proceedings often cannot
afford to retain adequate legal representation, do not know how to
obtain it, or are ill-equipped to represent themselves, according to the
report. Language issues and cultural differences may exacerbate the
problems, leaving some non-citizens vulnerable to unscrupulous or
unqualified representation.
“Individuals in immigration proceedings face mandatory
detention, deportation, and often permanent expulsion from the United
States because they lack competent legal representation,” said Bar
Association President Seymour W. James, Jr. of New York City (The Legal
Aid Society). “New minimum standards for representation, along
with statutory reform and adequate funding, will go a long way toward
helping these individuals.”
To read the entire press release, click here.
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