A Shameful Exercise of Presidential Power

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) condemned President Trump's decision to grant a pardon to disgraced Sheriff Joe Arpaio in the following statement:

"By pardoning Sheriff Arpaio, the President has undermined the judicial branch, a core institution of our democracy," said Annaluisa Padilla, AILA President. "He has violated any sense of justice or equality under the law. While the administration is deporting people who pose no threat to their communities, the president now grants amnesty to someone who has been convicted of ignoring a court order and violating the civil rights of an entire community. That is the definition of hypocrisy."

Benjamin Johnson, AILA Executive Director remarked, "This is an offensive use of the power of the Presidency and an affront to basic principles of fairness and justice. Today, a convicted civil rights violator will walk free, while decent, hardworking people with deep ties to their communities will continue to be torn from their homes and separated from their families. Now is the time for real leaders to stand up for what is right and support legislation that will provide a permanent solution for the victims of our outdated immigration system."