South Asian Legal Group Pushes Back Against White House Immigration Memo

India-West Staff Reporter

SAN JOSE, CA – The South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO) is voicing strong opposition to a White House directive that calls for sanctions against immigration attorneys, warning that it could stifle legal advocacy and restrict access to representation.

The March 22 memorandum, issued by the Trump administration, directs U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to penalize attorneys engaged in what the administration deems “unreasonable” or “frivolous” litigation against the federal government, SAAJCO said in a statement.

While proponents argue the measure is intended to curb baseless lawsuits, critics caution that it may discourage legitimate legal challenges and erode due process protections, it added.

Kalpana V. Peddibhotla, Executive Director of SAAJCO, underscored the importance of protecting attorneys’ ability to advocate for their clients without fear of government reprisal.

“Access to legal representation is essential to the rule of law,” Peddibhotla said. “Policies that limit attorneys’ ability to advocate for their clients undermine fundamental due process rights.”

Concerns Over Due Process and Legal Advocacy

Legal analysts warn that heightened scrutiny of immigration attorneys could have a chilling effect on legal representation, particularly for immigrants challenging government policies. Civil rights organizations have also raised concerns that the directive may deter legal professionals from taking on cases involving marginalized communities.

SAAJCO, a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting the civil and human rights of South Asians in the U.S., has called on the administration to reconsider the directive, arguing that it could disproportionately impact vulnerable immigrant populations.