AILA condemns Trump’s crackdown on immigration lawyers, calls It a threat to legal integrity

On March 22, 2025, US President Donald Trump issued a memorandum titled “Preventing abuses of the legal system and the Federal Court,” directing attorney general Pam Bondi and secretary of homeland security Kristi Noem to impose sanctions and stricter oversight on attorneys involved in asylum and immigration cases. The memorandum alleges that the immigration system is “replete with examples of unscrupulous behaviour by attorneys and law firms,” accusing them of coaching clients to deceive authorities in asylum claims.
“For instance, the immigration bar, and powerful Big Law pro bono practices, frequently coach clients to conceal their past or lie about their circumstances when asserting their asylum claims, all in an attempt to circumvent immigration policies enacted to protect our national security and deceive the immigration authorities and courts into granting them undeserved relief. Gathering the necessary information to refute these fraudulent claims imposes an enormous burden on the federal government”, added the memorandum.
In response, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) firmly rejected these allegations. AILA president Kelli Stump stated that the organization is “dedicated to defending and respecting the rule of law,” emphasizing that its members uphold the U.S. Constitution and maintain high standards of professionalism. She criticized the administration’s rhetoric as “misleading” and “dangerous,” asserting that it seeks to delegitimize the work of professionals ensuring fair legal representation for immigrants – many of whom are fleeing persecution. Stump underscored that this issue concerns not only immigration lawyers but also the integrity of the legal system and the principles of due process and equal protection under the law.
“AILA and its members will not be intimidated. We took an oath as attorneys, and political pressures will not dissuade us from that sworn duty to the constitution,” she added
AILA executive director Benjamin Johnson echoed these sentiments, highlighting the administration’s history of attacking judges who rule against it and of maligning the character of anyone who disagrees with them. He expressed concern that the recent memorandum represents an escalation of such tactics, aiming to intimidate and undermine the independence of the legal profession. Johnson reaffirmed AILA’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, stating that the organization will not be deterred by political pressures from fulfilling its duty to the Constitution.
The memorandum has sparked widespread concern within the legal community. Legal experts warn that these actions could deter legitimate litigation due to fear of retribution, potentially undermining the checks and balances integral to the US legal system. The administration’s aggressive stance represents a broader effort to control perceived legal adversaries and reshape the legal landscape to its advantage.