The Honorable Robert A. Katzmann calls on the legal
profession to
address the unmet needs of the
immigrant poor:
“Justice should not depend on the
income level of immigrants”
On February 28, 2007 Judge Robert A. Katzmann of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit delivered the Orison S. Marden Lecture of the Association of the Bar of the City of
New York
, on the unmet legal needs of the immigrant poor. Judge Katzmann highlighted the glaring lack of access to the legal system for indigent immigrants in the
United States
, as well as the professional responsibility and obligation lawyers have to serve them. He emphasized how crucial legal assistance is for vulnerable groups such as immigrants and refugees, who often face an unknown language, legal system and culture, and come to the
United States
in search of security and the opportunity for a better life. Urging the legal profession to “do more to both improve the quality of paid counsel and to expand pro bono assistance” Judge Katzmann proclaimed that “justice should not depend on the income level of immigrants.” Judge Katzmann also noted the need for competent counsel in the earliest stages of the immigration process, warning that the fates of immigrants “are all but sealed” when they are victimized by notarios. Judge Katzmann further identified government lawyers as an untapped resource, and encouraged all lawyers to engage in related policy development and promote media attention to the issue. Finally, he called upon the judiciary to promote awareness of the need for volunteers and training. In response to Judge Katzmann’s important message, the ABA Commission on Immigration is reaching out to potential volunteers to increase pro bono recruitment and to strengthen and support existing networks of attorneys who already serve this vulnerable population. If you are interested in volunteering to represent immigrants and refugees, or would like more information on this issue, please contact the Commission at 202-662-1005 or immcenter@staff.abanet.org.
To read a transcript of Judge Katzmann’s speech, please click here.
