San Jose, CA — On March 22, the White House issued a memorandum to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem directing the Department of Justice to penalize attorneys for “unreasonable” or “frivolous” litigation against the federal government–specifically naming those engaged in immigration litigation.
Kalpana V. Peddibholta, Executive Director of South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO), issued the following statement:
“When the government tries to intimidate and threaten those engaged in legitimate efforts to uphold the rule of law and protect the Constitutional rights of marginalized communities, all of our fundamental rights are at risk. This memo comes on the heels of the Administration’s executive orders and directives against law firms, universities, and nonprofits. We will not be silenced or deterred from fulfilling our duties as lawyers.”
The Administration’s directive encourages government surveillance of attorneys and opens the door to politically motivated enforcement against those who represent immigrants. Coupled with the targeting of those engaged in First Amendment-protected activities, these efforts reflect a broader attempt to chill advocacy and erode legal protections. The result will be a justice system distorted by fear and political interference.
About SAAJCO
The South Asian American Justice Collaborative is a national legal nonprofit dedicated to advancing the civil and human rights of South Asians in the United States. Through legal services, impact litigation, and community engagement, SAAJCO works to defend the institutions that protect all people. Though newly formed, SAAJCO speaks now because the threats facing our communities and our legal system demand urgent response. We will not stay silent in the face of government intimidation.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-holding-a-the-law-book-8731037/