HARRIBURG (Feb. 1, 2017) – Pennsylvania Bar Association President Sara A. Austin today issued the following statement about President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration:

“Many lawyers are working day and night to protect the legal rights of individuals who face uncertain futures because of the executive orders issued last week by the president.

The Pennsylvania Bar Association commends these lawyers for their herculean efforts to safeguard the rights of those individuals currently in need of protection. The highest calling of our profession is to uphold the rule of law, the very foundation of our democracy, and these lawyers are doing just that by protecting the legal rights of those who seek to enter our country and those who are already here but now face possible removal.

We thank these lawyers who are striving to ensure that those impacted by the executive orders receive due process and equal protection under the law.

At the core of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s mission are the calls for professional excellence and improvement in the public’s understanding of the legal system. At this time, our association is determining what constructive steps we can take to fulfill those promises as they relate to the president’s executive orders.”

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 27,000 lawyers who are members of the association.