A continuación, presentamos un comunicado urgente de la Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), organización no partidista que representa a más de 78,000 profesionales del derecho en Estados Unidos. Con más de 50 años de servicio, la HNBA ha forjado lazos sólidos con administraciones de ambos partidos, cimentando un compromiso inquebrantable con la justicia, la igualdad y el respeto por los derechos humanos. En este documento, la HNBA denuncia recientes órdenes ejecutivas que amenazan los valores fundamentales de nuestro país, especialmente en materia de políticas migratorias y programas de diversidad, equidad e inclusión. Invitamos a legisladores, líderes empresariales y ciudadanos a unirse a este llamado a la acción para defender los principios que han hecho de Estados Unidos una nación próspera y justa.
HNBA’S CALL TO ACTION ON EXECUTIVE ORDERS THAT
UNDERMINE AMERICAN VALUES
As a non-partisan organization representing the interests of more than 78,000 legal professionals throughout the United States, the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is proud of the fact that it has built strong relationships with both Democratic and Republican administrations over our 50 years of service. Our diverse membership reflects a rich tapestry of legal professionals from various backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, religions, and even immigration status. It is this diversity that has made our organization stronger, allowing us to set aside any differences and unite for common goals.
At the core of our values lies a profound love and respect for this country—its history, its freedoms, and perhaps most importantly, its democracy. These fundamental principles drew many of our families, like the families of other immigrants, to this nation and are integral to its success. We recognize that it is this very foundation that has made our country one of the most prosperous and welcoming places in the world.
With this background and perspective, we have grave concerns that our elected representatives are not acting in a manner that ensures that these cherished values are protected. Given that these matters are central to our mission as an organization, we are therefore compelled to not only speak up, but to act, especially when the Constitution and the Rule of Law are threatened.
First, the executive orders regarding immigration – which seem to disproportionally target the Latino population – are not only cruel and unnecessary but are being carried out in a manner that undermines our laws and the core principles of our country – justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
We call on our elected representatives to conduct an immediate reevaluation of these harmful practices and a return to policies that honor our country’s commitment to human rights and equality. Specifically, the executive orders denying and redefining birthright citizenship, expanding the use of expedited removal, targeting local and state sanctuary laws, shutting down Spanish language government resources, rescinding the family reunification taskforce, pausing the resettlement of immigrants already vetted and approved, and the mass deportation to the legal black hole that is Guantanamo Bay, among other actions, cannot stand. And what is worse, is that fear mongering and misinformation is being used to vilify a community of law-abiding, hardworking, and patriotic immigrants that contribute meaningfully to this country and its economy and ask for nothing other than opportunity.
Second, we stand firmly opposed to the executive orders targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which threaten to undermine the very practices that have driven innovation and provided a competitive edge for many of our nation’s leading industries. It is alarming to witness how some titans of industry seem to be turning away from the principles that have fostered creativity, collaboration, and progress within their organizations.
DEI programs are not just buzzwords; they are essential frameworks that cultivate diverse perspectives and experiences, ultimately leading to enhanced performance. By dismantling these initiatives, organizations – whether public or private – risk losing the unique advantages that arise from a diverse workforce, which has consistently proven to deliver better outcomes in problem-solving and decision-making. Further, the attacks on DEI are counter to federal civil rights law, which imposes clear constitutional and statutory duties to ensure equal opportunity.
Moreover, the recent Department of Justice (DOJ) memo, which seeks to target the private sector and undermine DEI programs, represents a significant waste of resources that could be better allocated to initiatives that make our country more unified, not less.
On this Presidents’ Day, a day when we reflect on the values of leadership, justice and freedom that our great nation was built upon, we demand Congress uphold the Civil Rights Act. This foundational legislation has been instrumental in advancing social justice and equality in our country, and it is imperative that lawmakers reaffirm their commitment to these principles amidst rising challenges.
We challenge the leaders of industry to stand firm in their commitment to DEI practices. It is time to recognize that fostering an inclusive environment is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage that drives innovation and enhances competitiveness. We urge all stakeholders to reject the DOJ’s counterproductive memo and instead invest in the principles of diversity that have proven to be the bedrock of success in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. We applaud the companies that have doubled down on their DEI initiatives.
Finally, the HNBA stands in solidarity with those who are also negatively affected by the recent executive orders, including the LBGTQ and transgender community, federal law enforcement, military personnel, and government employees, among others. The HNBA is committed to offering resources to those impacted, ensuring that their rights are protected, and their voices are heard.
Our organization will continue to advocate for policies that uphold human rights, equality, and the Rule of Law. This is more than a public statement, however; it is a call to action. We are asking our members and allies alike to send this statement to their Congressional representative, visit our website to learn how to volunteer to advise immigrants, and participate in our advocacy efforts. This is an opportunity to come together and speak up to defend the values that have truly made this country great.
Christina Guerola Sarchio
President, HNBA
