Celebrating 45 Years:
1980-2025
THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY COMMENDS JUDICIAL ACTION BLOCKING UNCONSTITUTIONAL FEDERAL EXECUTIVE ORDERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 7, 2025
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) ) applauds U.S. District Judges Deborah L. Boardman and John Coughenour for issuing back-to-back injunctions to block a presidential Executive Order intended to curb birthright citizenship guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution.
The Executive Order, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” signed by President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025, disregards more than a century of legal precedent. The HBA-NJ commends the various immigration advocacy groups, as well as 22 states, including New Jersey, that filed lawsuits challenging the Executive Order. As stated by New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, “The president cannot, with a stroke of a pen, write the 14th Amendment out of existence, period.”
The Executive Order is one of several controversial federal actions adversely impacting immigration laws, policy and due process. The U.S. Department of Justice recently suspended critical programs that provide immigrants access to basic legal information and representation. Multiple Executive Orders revoked categorical parole programs and expanded the use of immigration enforcement. These actions, paired with promises by President Trump to carry out “the largest deportation program in American history,” are leading to unconstitutional detainments and expedited removals.
“As an immigrant who was welcomed to the United States during the Mariel Boatlift, I am deeply saddened by these draconian directives,” said Alex J. Fajardo, President of the HBA-NJ. “To think that Americans who look a certain way will need to carry ‘their papers’ with them at all times, out of fear of arrest during one of these targeted enforcement operations, is dismaying. For many individuals living in this nation, seeking refuge was the only way to save their lives. This country has a long-standing tradition of offering relief to those in need through avenues such as asylum or refugee status. Undocumented residents in New Jersey contribute to our economy by paying taxes, opening business, and providing critical services and employment opportunities within our communities.”
In 2022 alone, undocumented immigrants paid $46.8 billion in federal taxes, $29.3 billion in state and local taxes, $27.7 billion in Social Security taxes, $6.4 billion in Medicare taxes, and $1.8 billion in unemployment insurance. This influx to the economy comes from undocumented immigrants who will likely never benefit from government programs like Medicare or Social Security.
“Enforcing the new Executive Orders issued by the President will devastate those targeted for deportation, separate families, and inflict severe harm on our economy,” said Fajardo. “The HBA-NJ stands ready to assist individuals whose rights are violated as a result of these recent measures.”
The HBA-NJ is committed to working with our affiliates and partner organizations to monitor and respond to ongoing developments. The HBA-NJ is partnered with the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) Region 3 in recruiting attorneys interested in assisting individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations understand and assert their rights. Interested attorneys, who need not have experience with immigration law prior to the training, can sign up for additional information here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeH7hxcde11iK1idBQ907nDpv0fgLWmaMsgV_EMBLduTE5nGw/viewform.
While it is evident that the Trump administration is disproportionately targeting the Latino community, we recognize that this approach may soon extend to other groups that do not conform to a narrow, outdated view of what Americans should be or look like. This approach not only harms our communities but undermines the diversity and values that define our nation. While we advocate for immigration reform and the protection of our borders, we must do so with policies that respect and protect all individuals, regardless of their background.
As members of the bar, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution, protecting individual rights, and fostering a nation rooted in equality and justice for all.
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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.
The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.
Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101
