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New Campaign Will Mobilize Thousands of Lawyers and Other
Professionals to Stand with Immigrants
NEW YORK, NY (May 26, 2017) - In response to the recent Executive Orders on immigration and enforcement actions by the Trump administration that put millions of individuals at risk of deportation and spread fear in our communities, the Immigration Advocates Network (IAN), Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the Advocates for Human Rights, and Pro Bono Net are collaborating to launch "Stand with Immigrants" (www.standwithimmigrants.org) - a large-scale mobilization effort to activate lawyers and other professionals to protect and promote the rights of immigrants.
Millions of people who live, work and pray in our communities are at risk of deportation and abuse. The Stand with Immigrants campaign will empower everyday Americans to use their skills and expertise to protect immigrants, and to signal that they will not stand by as our neighbors are harassed, families are torn apart, and our government ignores basic rights and due process. The campaign will:
- Introduce new supporters to the immigration landscape;
- Provide access to a broad array of volunteer opportunities;
- Connect supporters to local, state and national advocacy opportunities; and
- Offer guidance on how to engage government and business leaders to promote pro-immigrant and inclusive laws and policies.
"The Stand with Immigrants campaign seeks to empower legal advocates and other immigrant allies across the United States to protect our friends and neighbors from deportation and ensure fair treatment and due process," said Matthew Burnett, Director of the Immigration Advocates Network. "We will mobilize, train, connect, and support lawyers, mental health professionals, translators, interpreters, and others who are ready to use their skills to take a stand and protect the rights of immigrants in the United States."
"This campaign is an opportunity to harness the talents and energy of so many to serve and protect our immigrant brothers and sisters who represent the best of American values: hard working individuals and families pursuing a better life," said Jeanne Atkinson, Executive Director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
"This important initiative will bring new allies to a nationwide movement to protect and promote the rights of immigrants," said Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. "The need is greater than ever. Together, this collaboration will connect people and resources in a way that can serve the needs of our neighbors and communities. Those communities are relying on us to get this right and we will use every tool in our tool box to meet this moment."
"Instead of prioritizing serious criminals for apprehension and removal, new enforcement policies place virtually all undocumented people equally at-risk of deportation," said Laura Vazquez, Program Manager for Immigration Initiatives at NCLR. "Those brought to this country as young people and U.S. citizen children in households with an undocumented parent are now threatened with family separation and economic deprivation, even though less than 3% of the unauthorized have committed serious crimes. The Stand With Immigrants campaign will connect professionals willing to help NCLR and its Affiliates to protect and defend our community from this unwarranted and indiscriminate threat, and we?re proud to join the effort."
"The Advocates for Human Rights is thrilled to be part of the Stand with Immigrants campaign," said Michele Garnett McKenzie, Deputy Director and Director of Advocacy. "Like our colleagues around the United States, we have seen an outpouring of support for refugees and immigrants and a real desire to get involved. This campaign will turn that good will into good work."
"Over the past several months, the legal community has shown its readiness to defend immigrants and assert the rule of law in the face of government overreach," added Pro Bono Net Executive Director Mark O'Brien. "Stand with Immigrants will use technology to promote collaboration, communications and resource sharing to ensure that lawyers and others across the country can provide effective pro bono assistance in the face of overwhelming need."
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About Pro Bono Net
Pro Bono Net is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to justice for the disadvantaged. Its programs and technology empower the public with information and self-help tools to improve their lives, equip advocates with the resources to make a stronger impact, and mobilize volunteers to expand help available. To learn more, visit www.probono.net.
About Immigration Advocates Network (IAN)
IAN is a collaborative effort of leading immigrants' rights organizations designed to increase access to justice for low-income immigrants and strengthen the capacity of individuals and organizations serving them. To learn more, visit www.immigrationadvocates.org.
About the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
AILA is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members. To learn more, visit www.aila.org.
About National Council of la Raza (NCLR)
NCLR - the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States - works to build a stronger America by creating opportunities for Latinos. To learn more, visit www.nclr.org.
About the Advocates for Human Rights
The mission of The Advocates for Human Rights is to implement international human rights standards to promote civil society and reinforce the rule of law. By involving volunteers in research, education, and advocacy, it builds broad constituencies in the United States and select global communities. To learn more, visit http://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org.
About the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc (CLINIC)
Embracing the Gospel value of welcoming the stranger, CLINIC promotes the dignity and protects the rights of immigrants in partnership with a dedicated network of Catholic and community legal immigration programs. To learn more, visit https://www.cliniclegal.org.
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