WBA President Issues Statement on Immigration Policy

The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts condemns the Trump administration’s zero tolerance immigration policy, which separates children from parents at our country’s border. It is unconscionable to punish children and use them as political bargaining chips. They are the most vulnerable members of our world community. Rather than protecting them and showing compassion to the circumstances that led their parents to risk their liberty to enter this country, our federal officials have taken actions that are an affront to their humanity and mental health. We hope that all members of our legal profession will use their talents and positions of influence to urge mature decision-making at the highest levels of government. The mission of the WBA includes an imperative to promote a just society; we have a long history of advocating for women and families. It is a sad day for us when our leaders have taken our country so far from this goal. It is our dearest hope that we can support productive dialogue and positive change.

What can we do?

• Call your elected officials and let them know where you stand.
• Encourage friends/family to contact their public officials, especially if their representatives have not taken a stand. The ACLU has a script you can use. https://www.aclu.org/issues/call-senators-stop-dhs-separating-children
• Support legislation such as the Keep Families Together Act by Sen. Feinstein. https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/6/feinstein-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-halt-separation-of-immigrant-families
• Donate to organizations that provide legal services to immigrants in need.
• Talk to your children about dealing with hate and bigotry. Use resources available from organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League (www.adl.org).
• Sign petitions and attend protests. http://action.adl.org/immigrant-families1/
• Keep talking, keep caring.

Meredith Ainbinder
WBA President