Amid reports of South Asian immigrants being unlawfully detained, legal U.S. residents facing deportation, and green card holders being pressured to relinquish their status, South Asian legal groups have launched an advocacy toolkit.

Launched by the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America), along with its Foundation and the South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO), the toolkit helps community members directly engage with elected officials.

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In a joint statement the organizations stated they “stand resolute in their commitment to defending the rule of law, upholding justice, and ensuring that every individual-regardless of their background— is treated fairly and equally under the law.”

“If we all seize this call to action, we will show our elected officials that these actions do not represent our interests and that we expect more from them,” they stated.

Expressing concern over “recent efforts that dismiss or belittle rulings that do not align with political interests, that undermine the public’s trust in the judiciary,” the groups called “for a commitment to a legal system that is impartial, fair, and applies the law equally to all, regardless of political standing.”

“We specifically call upon elected officials to uphold these values, to maintain separation of power, and to restore public confidence in our legal system.”

Noting that hardline immigration policies and increased deportation orders have disproportionately harmed immigrant communities, including South Asians, the group said they were “deeply concerned by reports of unlawful detentions, especially of those in the South Asian community.”

“These actions tear apart families and ignore the human toll of such actions,” the groups stated urging “policymakers to shift toward more humane immigration reforms that prioritize family unity, compassion, and respect for the dignity of all individuals.”

“Likewise, we are deeply concerned by calls for eliminating birth right citizenship and reports that green card holders are being pressured into relinquishing their green card status at the border.”

SABA North America said it will offer programming to assist terminated federal employees with job transitions and networking events. It is also expanding pathways to support recent law school graduates and law students willing to work in the public interest.

Asserting that advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential to building a just and fair society, the groups said the recent rollback of DEI initiatives has caused harm across multiple sectors, including government agencies, educational institutions, and workplaces.

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As organizations that represent South Asian legal professionals, the groups advocated “for policies that support an inclusive, equitable, and diverse society where every individual regardless of race, ethnicity, or background has equal access to opportunities.”

The groups reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rule of law, supporting immigrant communities, defending judicial independence, assisting terminated federal employees, and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We will continue to be a powerful voice for these principles and provide support to those who need it most in these challenging times,” the groups stated.