Immigration reform, hate crimes on tap for Midyear Meeting

Immigration was the hottest political topic of 2018 – and probably will continue to dominate the news in 2019. The border wall, the immigration “caravan” in Mexico, the proposed travel ban and the future of Dreamers all made headlines last year.

Three programs addressing different aspects of immigration will be featured at the American Bar Association’s upcoming Midyear Meeting in Las Vegas. They include:

• “Putting ICE on Ice?” at 3:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25. When federal agents arrest undocumented immigrants in courthouses across the country, does that discourage immigrants from appearing in court as defendants, witnesses and victims? Experts will debate the topic. Sponsored by the ABA Criminal Justice Section.
• “The Rising Tide of Hate: How Welcoming the Stranger in a Nation of Immigrants Has Turned Violent” at 9 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 26. How did the United States become home to so many hate crimes against minorities and immigrants? Sponsored by the ABA Commission on Immigration.
• “Reforming the Immigration System” at Noon  Saturday, Jan 26. The launch of a new report from the ABA Commission on Immigration, with proposals to promote independence, fairness, efficiency and professionalism in the adjudication of removal cases. This is an update to the commission’s 2010 report on the same subject.

Also, on Monday, Jan. 28, the ABA House of Delegates will consider Resolution 109A, which urges the U.S. attorney general to end the mass prosecution of immigrants and to rescind the “zero tolerance” policy of prosecuting those who enter the country without authorization. 

Related links:

• About the ABA Midyear Meeting
• ABA Journal: Shutdown halts many immigration hearings
• ABA Journal: Experts predict 2019 immigration battles
• ABA Journal: Courthouses should not be used for routine immigration arrests, ABA House says
• Proposed House of Delegates resolution on “zero tolerance”