September 20, 2019: New York State Bar Association Publishes Book Outlining Legal Protections for Immigrants

By Communications Department

September 20, 2019

September 20, 2019: New York State Bar Association Publishes Book Outlining Legal Protections for Immigrants

9.20.2019

By Communications Department

Must-Have Book Will Help Lawyers, Public Officials and the General Public Understand All Aspects of the Immigration System

The New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) has published a comprehensive new book detailing current immigration law and policy at the local, state and national levels at a time when America is embroiled in a contentious debate over immigration enforcement and reform.

The 323-page book, entitled Is America Fulfilling Its Promise? Safeguarding the Legal Protections of Immigrantsprovides a detailed account of the impact immigration is having on communities far away from the Mexico-U.S. border, including the separation and isolation of children from their families.

This book – the first of its kind from any bar association in the U.S. – also examines the stark contrast between how the New York state and the federal governments are currently treating immigrants.

“This book shows how a nation built by immigrants can and should treat those who come to our shores in search of better lives,” said NYSBA President Hank Greenberg. “It draws on the combined efforts of dedicated jurists, law professors, legal service organizations, lawyers and local law enforcement to address today’s immigration challenges in a constructive, humane way.

“Though created and written primarily by lawyers, the book is not just for the legal community,” continued Greenberg. “Public officials will find insightful information here as will anyone, lawyer or not, committed to the rule of law.”

Each of the 19 chapters in Is America Fulfilling Its Promise? Safeguarding the Legal Protections of Immigrants was written by a different expert. It includes valuable information that will prove useful for attorneys, advocates and concerned community members alike.

Topics range from the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in courtrooms to what “sanctuary” could mean for New York state and how to navigate the asylum process.

The book also covers many practical aspects of immigration law that have been in the news such as: requirements for adoption and marriage; work visas; estate planning for non-citizens; public benefits; municipal ID’s; driver’s licenses and sanctuary policies.

Scott Fein, a partner at Whiteman Osterman & Hanna in Albany, NY and Rose Mary Bailly of Albany Law School, co-edited the book.

“The struggle to develop a sound, sustainable and humane immigration system merits examination. We are hopeful this book will inform that discussion,” said Fein.

“This book shows how much more our nation has to do in order to provide immigrants a safe, legal path to citizenship or, if they prefer, a right to work here for a specified time,” said Bailly.

Among the authors are Craig D. Apple, Sr., Albany County Sheriff; Laura V. González-Murphy, director of immigration policy and research at the New York State Department of State; Terry Lawson, director of the Family and Immigration Unit of Bronx Legal Services; Camille Mackler, director of legal policy for the New York Immigration Coalition; Sarah Rogerson, director of the Immigration Law Clinic at the Justice Center at Albany Law School; and Jane Shim, an attorney with the national Immigrant Defense Project.

The introduction of the book was written by President Greenberg.

Click here to watch Greenberg discuss the book during a recent interview with Errol Louis, of NY1’s “Inside City Hall.”

Is America Fulfilling Its Promise? Safeguarding the Legal Protections of Immigrants is available in two formats: as a print book and as an e-book, which can be downloaded in pdf format. The cost to purchase the book is $15 for NYSBA members and $20 for non-members. Click here to order.

About the New York State Bar Association
The New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. Since 1876, NYSBA has helped shape the development of law, educated and informed the legal profession and the public, and championed the rights of New Yorkers through advocacy and guidance in our communities.

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Contact: Christian Nolan
cnolan@nysba.org
518-487-5536

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