Oppose Taxpayer-Funded Legal Representation for Illegal Aliens
ISSUE BRIEF | FEBRUARY 2017 | DOWNLOAD PDF
Since the election of President Donald Trump, the illegal alien lobby has been pressuring a growing number of jurisdictions to use taxpayer money to provide free legal representation to illegal aliens. These grants accomplish little but prioritize the needs of illegal aliens over law-abiding Americans. Further shielding illegal aliens from immigration enforcement is an expensive political statement that contradicts the will of the American people to take control of their border and have their laws enforced.
Why should you oppose providing illegal aliens with taxpayer-funded legal representation?
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES GUARANTEES THE RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION ONLY FOR CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS. Most immigration proceedings, including removal proceedings, asylum petitions, and adjustment of status, are civil, not criminal proceedings, and therefore do not trigger the Sixth Amendment right to free legal counsel. In fact, the Supreme Court has ruled that deportation is not a punishment, but rather a civil administrative procedure whereby an alien is returned to their homeland.
http://www.fairus.org/issue/oppose-taxpayer-funded-legal-representation-for-illegal-aliens
