January 30, 2017: New York State Bar Association Recognizes Attorneys for Protecting Legal Rights of Refugees and Immigrants

January 30, 2017: New York State Bar Association Recognizes Attorneys for Protecting Legal Rights of Refugees and Immigrants

1.30.2017

By Communications Department

New York State Bar Association President Claire Gutekunst today released the following statement about legal representation of individuals affected by the Executive Order issued January 27 by President Donald Trump:

“The New York State Bar Association commends the many lawyers who have worked around the clock to protect the legal rights of individuals who found themselves in limbo as a result of the uncertainty created by the Executive Order issued by the President on Friday.

“The rule of law is critical to our nation’s democracy, and these lawyers are acting in the finest traditions of our profession in upholding this fundamental concept. We urge lawyers to continue in this tradition by working, along with the Association and other groups, to protect the legal rights of those who seek to enter our country or who are already here but face possible removal.

“The Association also commends those judges whose decisions assured that individuals who were at risk would be given the opportunity to argue the legal merits of their cases before actions that could be irreversible were taken.”

The 72,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary bar association in the nation. It was founded in 1876.

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Contact: Lise Bang-Jensen

Director of Media Services & Public Affairs

[email protected]

518/487-5530