Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2018 again comes at a time of challenge and distress for many immigrants and their families.  The anti-immigrant rhetoric and scapegoating continually flowing out the Trump Administration is matched by harsh and restrictive policies.

Dreamers continue to be stuck in limbo as the Trump Administration attempts to overturn court orders keeping DACA on life support. Those who have long legally resided in the U.S. with TPS are now seeing that status canceled and being instructed to prepare to leave the country.  Employment-based green card applicants are facing seemingly arbitrary requests for evidence, further delaying the already-backlogged processing of their applications.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has exited the stage, but his legacy of pushing immigration judges to rush through cases without even a nod to Due Process remains intact at the Department of Justice.  Immigrants are regularly demonized as dangerous or criminal, and the President is reportedly exploring ways to attempt to eliminate the pillar of American identity that is birthright citizenship.

With these challenges in mind, I give thanks this year for past, present, and future immigrants in the United States. The talents, cultures, and drive of wave after wave of immigrants have made this country what it is. I’m more thankful than ever for the Dreamers, whose selfless activism provides daily inspiration. I’m more thankful than ever for a fierce and independent press, which regularly exposes the anti-immigrant voices pushing policy in this administration. I’m more thankful than ever for my fellow immigration and civil rights attorneys around the country battling and winning in court against the unlawful excesses of this administration. And I’m more thankful than ever to be able to come to work every day with a group of talented and dedicated colleagues committed to passionately and aggressively fighting for every one of our clients’ rights under the law.

May you all share this great American holiday in the company of family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!