Immigrants have difficulty finding qualified lawyers, says State Bar
The New York State Bar Association yesterday issued a report that spotlights a crisis in the quality and availability of legal representation of immigrants in New York and makes recommendations for improvement, including written standards for immigration representation.
The report of the Special Committee on Immigration Representation cites a "dire" shortage of attorneys qualified in immigration issues, insufficient safeguards to protect immigrants from unauthorized or unqualified practitioners, and the need for more educational programs and pro bono participation to assist low-income immigrants.
The report singles out amendments made to federal immigration laws in 1996 relating to terrorism and illegal immigration as having "contributed significantly" to the current crisis.