WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America), the SABA North America Foundation, and the South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO) sent a joint press release affirming their commitment to upholding the rule of law, judicial independence and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

The joint statement expresses their collective concern following recent deportation orders, detention of some visa holders, impeachment threats against judges, federal employee firings, and the removal of DEI initiatives. 

“We can’t stay quiet while basic legal and democratic norms are being challenged,” SABA North America stated in its release. “It is our responsibility to uphold the rule of law and apply it to everyone equally.”

SABA North America published an advocacy toolkit to assist people in communicating with elected representatives. The organization is seeking to mobilize the community to speak out directly to policymakers.

SABA North America also denounced calls for impeaching judges based on politically unpopular decisions, contending that such efforts represent a grave threat to judicial independence. “The judiciary is a vital check on the powers of the legislative and executive branches,” the statement said. “Efforts to remove judges on political grounds erode public confidence in the judiciary.”

The organization was also concerned about strict immigration policies that disproportionately affected immigrant communities, such as South Asians. Cases of illegal detentions and rising deportation orders have triggered concerns regarding possible civil rights abuses. SABA North America demanded humane immigration policies that focus on family unity and dignity for everyone.

In the face of federal employee job losses, SABA North America unveiled new aid initiatives, including job transition guidance and networking, for affected professionals. The organization will provide free registrations to its Annual Conference in Denver, from June 19-22, 2025, to bring affected professionals face-to-face with new opportunities.

SABA North America also emphasized the significance of DEI initiatives, citing that recent attempts at dismantling these programs undermine advancement toward a fairer society. We continue our commitment to cultivating an inclusive, diverse and just legal profession and society for everyone,” the announcement concluded.