SILVER SPRING, Md — The White House has directed the Attorney General and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to investigate and impose sanctions on lawyers accused of “fraud and misconduct” in immigration cases, according to a memo issued Saturday. The move singles out immigration attorneys as primary targets of the federal action.
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), a national coalition of legal service providers, condemned the directive as a “sweeping, false, and dangerous” accusation.
“We stand firmly behind our network of legal professionals, who tirelessly serve low-income and vulnerable immigrants,” said CLINIC Executive Director Anna Gallagher. “Our attorneys are ethical, dedicated, and committed to upholding due process and the rule of law—principles rooted in both Catholic social teaching and American values.”
Gallagher rejected the administration’s claims as baseless, vowing that CLINIC and its partners would not be deterred from providing legal representation to immigrant families. “We will continue this sacred work with integrity and without fear,” she added.
The memo has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups, who argue it could undermine access to legal counsel for immigrants. Legal experts warn the policy may have a chilling effect on attorneys serving marginalized communities.
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