Immigration Update: ABA Adopts BBA-Endorsed Resolution and Other Border Developments

Since the release of the BBA Principles and Report last September, we’ve been using the analysis and framework created by the Immigration Working Group to weigh in on key immigration developments. For example, over the last few months, we submitted comments in opposition to proposals that would radically change the public charge rule and the processing and treatment of immigration youth.  

Below, we highlight the most recent immigration-related position adopted by the BBA Council and offer a few updates on other important developments, including the Border Wall and the family separation suit filed last fall by a collection of Boston-area immigration and civil rights attorneys.

ABA Resolution on Zero-Tolerance Policy and Operation Streamline

Last month, we reported that the BBA endorsed a proposed ABA resolution related to federal immigration policies and practices to be taken up by the ABA House of Delegates at their mid-year meeting. We’re thrilled to report that the resolution was indeed adopted  by the ABA as proposed and can be found here.

The Resolution  and accompanying report were drafted in response to concerns over the US Attorney General’s “zero-tolerance policy,” which, as the accompanying report states, “mandates the prosecution for illegal entry of everyone apprehended at our southern borders between ports of entry, including asylum seekers,” and “Operation Streamline,” under which “en masse hearings combine the initial appearance, preliminary hearing, plea, and sentencing into one single proceeding that can last less than one minute per defendant.”  The report accompanying the proposed resolution explains why the ABA Commission on Immigration and other groups, like the BBA, are so concerned about this policy and practice , focusing specifically on the “significant due process” and public safety issues. 

For a full overview of the resolution and the BBA’s endorsement, visit this blog post.

Our ABA Delegates, both former BBA Presidents, Mary Ryan, of Nutter McClennen & Fish, and  Lisa Arrowood, of  Arrowood LLP, were able to pass along the BBA’s support in advance of the vote. Mary Ryan reported on the great testimony presented in support of the Resolution by those who had visited the border and told personal stories of how the scenes of mass prosecutions impacted them.  

Other Updates

National Emergency and the Border Wall

The federal government shutdown, which occurred largely due to a disagreement over funding for a wall at the border, had major impacts on individuals and communities across the country. These impacts were especially pronounced for immigration courts, where over 85,000 immigrants had their hearings canceled, many after already waiting for years for the court date. It will likely take years for the courts, already facing a deep backlog, to make up the missed hearings, but the shutdown has now ended and attention has turned to the President’s declaration of a national emergency at the border in order to access funding to build the wall.

The declaration has raised significant questions about executive power and national emergencies. Director of Government Relations Michael Avitzur previously shared an article on LawFare Blog by Margaret Taylor, and it’s worth a reread for the statutory argument analysis.

Soon after the declaration, 16 states filed a suit in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, arguing that the President does not have the power to divert fund as Congress controls that spending and pointing to Trump’s own words to show there is not an actual emergency. Attorney General Maura Healey stated that she is “working to determine the full scope and impact on Massachusetts so that, if and when we challenge the administration’s actions, we bring the strongest possible case.”

Amended Complaint Filed in Family Separation Suit

In September, Lawyers for Civil Rights, and attorneys from Todd & Weld, Nixon Peabody, Demissie & Church, and the Law Offices of Jeff Goldman, filed a first-of-its kind federal class action lawsuit seeking damages against Trump Administration officials for the family separation at the border. The suit, brought on behalf of two families and similarly-situated children, seeks damages based on violations of the constitutional and civil rights of immigrant children, including the violation of due process and violation of the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection clause. The damages sought include the creation of a mental health fund to pay for therapy and treatment necessitated from the separations.

At the end of last month, the two families filed an amended complaint that adds a count alleging violation of the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unlawful seizure. On January 9, the government had filed a motion to dismiss but will now file a second motion to dismiss in response to the amended complaint. Hearings in the case have not yet been scheduled.

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Continue to watch this space for more updates on how these matters develop on the state and national level. If you’re interested in learning more or becoming involved in the BBA’s immigration-related work, email adaniel@bostonbar.org

—Alexa Daniel
Legislative and Public Policy Manager
Boston Bar Association