A Closer Look at Immigration

In light of the confusion, pain and political polarization following recent immigrant and refugee family separations at U.S. borders, and the continued after-effects of the travel ban the Trump administration sought to implement in January of 2017, immigration and refugee policies are at the forefront of many national discussions. To address these issues, the university community marked Constitution Day on Tuesday in McKeldin Library with a public event organized by MLAW Programs, “Immigration and the Rule of Law in the Trump Administration.”

An expert panel presented views on the legal implications of immigration actions by the Trump administration, including the travel ban, family separation, and the role of the circuit courts.

“We learn a lot about our values by the way we treat our immigrants and the people at our borders, and how we apply our Constitution,” said moderator Robert Koulish, Joel J. Feller Research Professor and director of MLAW Programs.

Professor Maureen Sweeney of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law said that while separation of powers is what Americans have to ensure checks and balances in our government, but they aren’t always effectively applied to immigration policies.

In the current climate, she said “it is so important as lawyers to work together, to be organized, and to be working with the community” on immigration reform.

Noting that—if stated plans come to fruition—U.S. refugee admission will drop from about 95,000 people annually to about 30,000 people annually, Royce Murray of the American Immigration Council framed the international view of American policies. “Our moral leadership in this world is in question,” Murray said.

Sirine Shebaya, a civil rights attorney with Muslim Advocates, said that her organization is working to raise consciousness on the scope and impact of immigration and refugee policies on all Americans.

“The travel ban functions as a Muslim ban. We are looking to Congress to address this issue,” Shebaya said.

This discussion was hosted by BSOS, MLAW Programs, and the Office of International Affairs. It was among the inaugural events in UMD's Year of Immigration.

Story posted Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Published on Tue, Sep 18, 2018 - 12:32PM