Why Donald Trump's pick for Attorney General is a threat to non-citizens living in the United States

Jefferson Beauregard "Jeff" Sessions III, born in 1946 in Selma, Alabama, is currently a Republican U.S. Senator from Alabama and is viewed as one of the most conservative members of the Senate.  Before becoming a U.S. Senator, Sessions served as a U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama.  On November 18, 2016, Sessions was nominated by President-Elect Donald Trump to be Attorney General of the United States. 
 
During Sessions' career, he has espoused beliefs that call into question his respect for justice and for people of other races, nationalities, and creeds.  For example, Sessions was once denied a position as a federal judge after colleagues testified before a Senate Judiciary Committee that he had spoken disrespectfully to a black lawyer and joked that the KKK was "OK."  Sessions has also advocated against advancements in racial and gender equality, voting rights, and due process for immigrants.  In fact, Sessions has consistently fought against practical immigration reform, while calling for drastic restrictions on visas and expansion of immigration enforcement.  In 2006, Sessions claimed before the U.S. Senate that "almost no one" coming to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic had a "provable skill that would benefit us," and falsely accused all Dominican immigrants of creating fake documents in order to enter the U.S. 
 
As Attorney General, Sessions' influence on immigration law would be far-reaching. Sessions, for example, could single-handedly revoke the highest immigration review board's decisions on protection from persecution and analysis of state and federal criminal statutes.  Additionally, he could implement measures to hinder access to legal representation for immigrants. And, as Attorney General, Sessions would be authorized to empower local law enforcement officials to work as immigration agents, thereby vastly increasing enforcement of existing immigration laws. 
 
If you have questions or concerns about expected changes in immigration law and policy that may affect your case or your immigration status, call the Law Office of Adam N. Crandell to schedule a consultation.  We will review your case in its entirety and provide you with a complete and honest assessment of your circumstances in light of any and all expected changes under the new administration.

This post was researched and co-authored by law clerk Daniel Schutrum-Boward (University of Maryland Carey School of Law, Class of 2018).