Congresswoman Torres Leads Introduction of Fairness to Freedom Act: A Call for Universal Legal Representation for Individuals Facing Deportation
Amid Rising Threats to Immigrant Communities, Legislators Demand Comprehensive Solutions to Protect Due Process and Preserve Family Unity
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres, alongside her colleagues Congresswoman Grace Meng, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, and Congressman Robert Garcia introduced the Fairness to Freedom Act—legislation aimed at ensuring the right to federal legal representation for all immigrants facing deportation.
The stakes for immigrant communities have never been higher, as the Trump Administration is making it harder to get a fair process during immigration proceedings. The need for legal representation and the safeguarding of due process rights is more urgent than ever as anti-immigrant policies intensify under the Trump administration. Immigrant families are facing an increasingly harsh immigration detention system. President Trump’s threats of mass deportations are stoking fear and uncertainty, further escalating the anxiety within immigrant communities.
Despite these challenges, a clear solution is on the table: universal representation for immigrants. From voters to lawmakers and advocates, there is a shared vision for a dignified immigration system that upholds the values of fairness, freedom, and justice. Universal representation would ensure that immigrants are not left to navigate complex deportation proceedings alone, protecting their right to stay united with their families, keep their jobs, and remain rooted in their communities.
“No one should have to go through immigration proceedings alone. Unfortunately, under President Trump’s rhetoric and policies, the protection of due process rights has been undermined, and in some cases, denied entirely,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “ That’s why I introduced the Fairness to Freedom Act—to ensure that everyone has their fair day in court, fully understands their rights’ and can communicate with their loved ones. My constituents, and communities across the country, deserve to live with dignity, raise their families, access opportunities, and contribute to society. Universal representation is the key to making that a reality, standing as a safeguard against policies that threaten our shared values.”
“We are seeing an all out assault on immigrants and immigration in this country, and it has never been more important to ensure that immigrants have access to legal representation,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement. “Due process and the right to an attorney are fundamental cornerstones of our legal system – and should be for all who have cases before it. By ensuring universal access to representation for all immigrants, we can take a major step to protect immigrants from the cruel and inhumane actions of the Trump administration.”
"As someone who has navigated our country's immigration system, I know how overwhelming and complex it can be, especially when the consequences are deportation," said Congressman Robert Garcia. "Under the Trump Administration, countless individuals have been wrongfully deported without due process, and people facing removal proceedings are not guaranteed legal representation in the courtroom. I'm proud to co-sponsor the Fairness to Freedom Act because we must protect people's fundamental rights and ensure that immigration proceedings are fair for all."
“There is currently a backlog of more than 3 million deportation cases pending in our immigration court system. Most of these people—men, women, and children—do not have access to an attorney. This is not only inefficient, but inhumane,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “The Fairness to Freedom Act guarantees that everyone appearing before an immigration court has access to legal representation, understands their rights, and can communicate with loved ones throughout the process. I’m joining my colleagues in calling on Congress to pass this legislation to uphold due process-a fundamental right in our democracy-and ensure fairness in all courts throughout the United States.”
Nicole Melaku, executive director of the National Partnership for New Americans, said: “Since Day One of his second term, President Trump has been causing harm through a chaotic and misguided attempt to govern. Instead of championing social and economic solutions, he has recklessly targeted immigrants, separated families, and brought chaos and uncertainty to people across the country. In the face of this, we need Congress to push back with solutions that bring safety and stability to everyone who calls the United States home. Congresswoman Norma Torres is doing just that—bringing forward legislation that upholds the right to due process and ensures that no one stands alone in defense of their freedom. We are proud to endorse the Fairness to Freedom Act that gives people their fair day in court, and we urge all members of Congress who oppose Trump’s lawless deportation agenda to support this urgently-needed legislation.”
Shayna Kessler, director of the Advancing Universal Representation initiative at the Vera Institute of Justice, said: “Across the country, horrifying stories emerge daily of ICE detaining people without giving them any chance to defend themselves in court. This is a violation of due process—a right guaranteed to everyone under the U.S. Constitution. But due process means more than just advance notice and a hearing. Unlike in criminal court, people in immigration court aren’t guaranteed a lawyer if they can’t afford one. The Fairness to Freedom Act would change that. No one should have to face the devastating consequences of detention and deportation without access to a lawyer to defend their rights and freedom. In defense of due process, keeping families together, and the integrity of our democracy, we urge Congress to pass this bill.”
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La Congresista Torres Lidera La Introducción de la Ley de Equidad Para la Libertad: Un Llamado a La Representación Legal Universal Para Las Personas Que Enfrentan La Deportación
Ante las amenazas a las comunidades de inmigrantes, Legisladores exigen soluciones integrales para proteger las libertades judiciales y preservar la unidad de familias
Washington, D.C. - Hoy, la Congresista Norma Torres, junto Congresista Grace Meng, la Congresista Pramila Jayapal, y el Congresista Robert García introdujeron la Ley de Equidad a la Libertad-legislación destinada a garantizar el derecho a la representación legal federal para todos los inmigrantes que enfrentan la deportación.
Lo que está en juego para las comunidades de inmigrantes nunca ha sido más importante, ya que la Administración Trump está haciendo más difícil conseguir un proceso justo durante los procedimientos de inmigración. La necesidad de representación legal y la salvaguarda de los derechos del debido proceso es más urgente que nunca a medida que las políticas antiinmigrantes se intensifican bajo la administración Trump. Las familias inmigrantes se enfrentan a un sistema de detención de inmigrantes cada vez más duro. Las amenazas del presidente Trump de deportaciones masivas están avivando el miedo y aumentando aún más la ansiedad dentro de las comunidades de inmigrantes.
A pesar de estos retos, hay una solución clara sobre la mesa: la representación universal para los inmigrantes. Desde los electores hasta los legisladores y defensores, existe una visión compartida de un sistema de inmigración que defienda los valores de equidad, libertad y justicia. La representación universal aseguraría que los inmigrantes no tuvieran que enfrentarse solos a los complejos procedimientos de deportación, protegiendo su derecho a permanecer unidos a sus familias, mantener sus empleos y seguir en sus comunidades.
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