AILA Praises Decision by Attorney General to Withdraw Matter of Compean

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

CONTACT:

George Tzamaras
202-507-7649
gtzamaras@aila.org

ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER RESTORES DUE PROCESS FOR IMMIGRANTS INJURED BY INEFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION:

AILA praises decision by Attorney General to withdraw Matter of Compean.

WASHINGTON, DC – The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) welcomes the restoration of due process in the Immigration Court system. Attorney General Eric Holder today withdrew the decision issued by former Attorney General Mukasey on the last day of the Bush Administration, which had eviscerated the right to effective representation in Immigration Court proceedings. Attorney General Holder had stated during his confirmation process that he would review the Mukasey decision and that he disagreed with its reasoning. AILA is grateful for this restoration of a basic constitutional process—Due Process, in the immigration court system.

AILA commends Attorney General Holder for living up to his word, and for his clarity of understanding of not only the constitutional principle of due process, but also for the boldness with which he acted today. “The restoration of the prior standard for claiming ineffective representation in immigration court proceedings is a welcome sign that the Obama administration understands that the rights that apply to the least of us, apply to all of us,” said Charles H. Kuck, president of AILA. “By ensuring that immigrants seeking relief from the harsh consequences of deportation are assured that they will not be punished by the ineffective actions of their counsel, Attorney General Holder has reset the standard that the Constitution ensures. Today’s action, along with the other positive signs from the Administration signal that a restoration of our most sacred principles of justice has begun.”

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The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.