The job of an immigration lawyer is never easy. But under President Donald Trump’s second administration (2025), it has become significantly more demanding, unpredictable, and emotionally draining. Lawyers in this field aren’t just filling out forms—they’re on the legal frontlines, navigating policy whiplash, advising panicked clients, and defending constitutional rights against an onslaught of anti-immigration policies. The administration’s crackdown has also intensified scrutiny on attorney conduct, emphasizing the need for ethical practices and accountability.
I find myself in consultations with clients, acting more like a therapist than a lawyer. Trying to soothe their fears, but at the same time, provide good, honest, counsel, even if it’s not good news.
I try to actively listen to my clients, to hear their concerns, and then provide them the information and tools to protect them, and hopefully gain control of their immigration narrative. At times, my clients are asking me the same question, in different but repetitive ways, wanting to hear a different answer or to confirm that they are indeed safe.
In the end, as lawyers, we are trying to do our best to keep our clients safe. But we also need to take care of the whole person, not just the legal issue being presented.
We also have to practice self-care, which is particularly important as the Trump administrative seeks to target immigration lawyers for providing legal representation to immigrants (see below.)
In this article, we break down what it’s really like being an immigration attorney right now, how this administration has transformed the legal landscape, and why lawyers continue fighting despite the odds.
The Return of Hardline Policies—and Then Some
Trump’s second term has brought not just a return of his first-term policies, but an escalation. These policies include stricter enforcement of federal rules governing the conduct of immigration lawyers. Immigration attorneys now face:
- Harsher asylum rules: New restrictions disqualify many asylum-seekers who transited through other countries or missed fast-approaching deadlines.
- Expansion of travel bans: More countries, including some with political instability or religious minorities, are being targeted.
- Ideological screenings: Visa applicants are now subject to questions about their political beliefs or social media history, sparking legal concerns.
- Push to end birthright citizenship: The administration has revived attempts to restrict automatic citizenship to children of undocumented parents—setting off lawsuits.
- Increased denial rates: Routine applications are now more likely to be rejected, often for arbitrary or minor technical reasons.
Did you know? During Trump’s first term, over 400 immigration-related executive actions were issued. His second term is on track to exceed that pace. Read a full breakdown of Trump-era immigration actions
The Human Toll: Fear, Confusion, and Self-Deportation
Immigration attorney Andrea Lino describes the current moment as “chaotic.” But it’s not just policy—it’s psychology. The uncertainty surrounding their legal status exacerbates the fear and confusion among immigrant communities. Many immigrants are making life-altering decisions out of fear:
- Panic among communities: Even lawful residents are afraid to engage with government agencies or use public services.
- Misinformation spreads fast: Lawyers spend much of their time correcting viral rumors on WhatsApp, TikTok, or community forums.
- Voluntary departures: Some clients choose to leave the U.S. rather than risk detention—a deterrence tactic the administration seems to welcome.
Silent Raids and Discreet Detentions
Rather than the media spectacles of workplace raids, today’s enforcement often happens quietly:
- Routine ICE check-ins turn into arrests
- Long-time residents detained without warning
- Increased use of immigration detention—including for people with no criminal record
Lawyers must stay on high alert, sometimes filing emergency motions at night or over weekends. One attorney noted, “You never know when a routine day turns into a crisis.”
For those seeking legal help: Find an immigration attorney through AILA
Policy Shifts With No Warning
Another daily challenge: rapidly changing policies that take effect instantly. These changes often come as directives from federal agencies, leaving lawyers scrambling to adapt.
- A new asylum rule might kick in overnight, forcing lawyers to adjust or file cases in a rush.
- Clients may become suddenly ineligible for relief they were counting on.
- Regulations may be published without time for public comment.
This “regulatory whiplash” keeps attorneys glued to policy memos, legal webinars, and professional listservs.
High Burnout, But High Purpose
The emotional and mental toll is severe:
- High stress scores: A 2024 study showed immigration attorneys experience stress levels comparable to trauma counselors.
- Burnout is real: Some seasoned lawyers have left the field entirely, citing the emotional exhaustion.
- Rocket dockets: Immigration courts are fast-tracking deportation cases, giving lawyers mere days to prepare what should take months.
But there’s also resilience:
- Lawyers rally together: Sharing templates, strategies, and moral support in real time.
- Pro bono armies: Many attorneys volunteer at airports, detention centers, and border towns.
- Community empowerment: Law firms and nonprofits offer Know Your Rights trainings, legal clinics, and public education events.
Learn more about burnout in immigration law from this report by the Immigration Advocates Network
Immigration law is challenging on top of all the crazy changes.
The following quotes sort of sum up the byzantine, kafkesque nature of immigration law.
“Immigration law is a mystery and a mastery of obfuscation, and the lawyers who can figure it out are worth their weight in gold.”
– INS spokeswoman Karen Kraushaar, 2001“Immigration law is second only to tax law in complexity” Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Castro-O’Ryan v. U.S. Dep’t of Immigr. & Naturalization, 847 F.2d. 1307, 1312 (9th Cir. 1988).
Advising Clients in an Age of Fear
Immigration attorneys are now part legal expert, part crisis counselor. They help clients build legal strategies—and personal safety plans. Adhering to professional conduct rules is crucial in providing accurate and ethical advice to clients.
Here’s what many now advise:
- Know your rights if ICE comes to your door. Don’t open without a warrant.
- Have an emergency contact card—including your attorney’s info.
- Avoid driving if undocumented, especially in high-enforcement zones.
- Develop a family plan: Who will care for kids if a parent is detained?
Download a free “Know Your Rights” toolkit: ACLU’s Guide for Immigrants
Immigration Courts: Backlogged and Broken
Immigration courts were already overwhelmed—now they’re gridlocked:
- Over 3 million cases are pending in U.S. immigration courts as of 2025.
- Judges face political pressure to speed up deportations.
- Hearings are often conducted over video in crowded dockets.
- Many immigrants are unrepresented—those who have lawyers fare far better.
Wins Still Happen—and They Matter
Even under pressure, the legal system still works—sometimes.
- Lawsuits have blocked or delayed many of the most aggressive policies.
- Courts have upheld due process rights even in politically charged cases.
- Advocacy groups continue to push for reform and accountability.
Andrea Lino, the immigration lawyer mentioned earlier, summed it up best:
“I feel that I am in the right place. I can use my knowledge to make people feel safer.”
Trump Initiates Attack on Immigration Lawyers
“Let’s kill all the lawyers” is a line from William Shakespear’s Henry VI. The full quote is: “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers”. It is among Shakespeare’s most famous lines, and apparently, also an inspiration for President Trump.
On March 21, 2025, in a late-night move reminiscent of authoritarian tactics, President Donald Trump quietly launched a sweeping new campaign—this time not against migrants directly, but against the attorneys who defend them. In a late-night White House memo, the administration accused immigration lawyers of helping clients commit asylum fraud and instructed top officials to punish those involved in allegedly dishonest legal practices to circumvent immigration policies enacted to ensure national security.
While framed as a defense of professional ethics and national security, this order signals a fundamental shift in how the federal government views—and treats—the legal profession itself.
This action not only threatens the legal profession but also undermines the foundational principles of justice in the United States.
Aiming at Immigration Lawyers
Trump’s memo singles out immigration attorneys, accusing them of “coaching” asylum seekers to conceal facts in order to obtain protection unlawfully. The administration claims this constitutes a threat to national security and public safety.
However, immigration experts say this accusation misrepresents how asylum law works. Attorneys are required to help clients understand the legal framework and to present facts truthfully—guidance that is essential in an extremely complex and high-stakes process.
Further Reading:
The Reality of Immigration Lawyering
The administration’s accusations against immigration attorneys lack substantial evidence:
- Legal Representation: Attorneys prepare clients for legal proceedings by explaining processes, gathering evidence, and helping them present their cases within legal frameworks. This is standard legal practice, not deception.
- Complexity of Immigration Law: The immigration system is intricate, and access to legal counsel significantly impacts case outcomes. Lawyers play a crucial role in ensuring due process.
- Ethical Practices: While misconduct exists in any profession, immigration attorneys often collaborate with government agencies to report fraudulent actors and educate communities on finding qualified legal help.
The Role of Immigration Lawyers in the Legal System
Immigration lawyers are the unsung heroes of the legal system, especially in the turbulent landscape shaped by President Trump’s administration. These legal professionals are not just advocates; they are lifelines for individuals and families navigating the labyrinthine and often hostile immigration process. Their role extends far beyond filling out forms and attending court hearings—they are defenders of rights, champions of justice, and beacons of hope for those seeking a better life in the United States.
Under the Trump administration, the importance of immigration lawyers has only grown. With policies designed to restrict immigration and limit access to legal representation, these attorneys have become crucial in ensuring that their clients receive fair treatment under the law. They provide essential guidance and support, helping individuals and families understand their rights and options in an increasingly complex and unpredictable legal environment.
Moreover, immigration lawyers are at the forefront of challenging the administration’s policies in court. They use their expertise to push back against unjust and discriminatory laws, advocating for the rights of their clients and striving to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. This often involves navigating a constantly shifting landscape of regulations and executive orders, requiring them to stay informed and adaptable.
Despite the immense challenges, immigration lawyers remain steadfast in their commitment to their clients and the broader cause of justice. Their work is not just about legal representation; it’s about standing up for the vulnerable and ensuring that the legal system works for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The Presidential Memorandum: A Tool for Suppression
The memorandum, titled “Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court,” instructs the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take disciplinary measures against attorneys deemed to engage in “frivolous” litigation, particularly in immigration cases.
- Identifying lawyers involved in alleged unethical practices.
- Blocking these attorneys from interacting with government agencies.
- Initiating investigations that could lead to sanctions, termination of contracts, or criminal referrals.
While framed as an effort to uphold professional ethics, the directive appears to specifically target immigration attorneys, accusing them of coaching clients to lie and manipulating the asylum process. This focus raises concerns about immigrants’ access to legal representation and the broader implications for legal advocacy. Additionally, the Trump administration’s directive to seek sanctions against these attorneys marks a significant shift in the government’s approach to legal practices associated with immigration cases.
Erosion of Legal Independence
This directive is part of a broader campaign against the legal profession:
Federal agencies have been instructed to take disciplinary measures against law firms involved in immigration cases.
- Targeting Law Firms: The administration has issued executive orders against prominent law firms like Perkins Coie and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, revoking security clearances and federal contracts. The misconduct of lawyers and law firms threatens important aspects of national security and public integrity, as highlighted by the administration’s actions against those engaging in perceived frivolous lawsuits.
- Defiance of Judicial Authority: Federal attorneys have refused to comply with court orders, challenging the judiciary’s role as a check on executive power.
- Chilling Effect on Legal Representation: The aggressive stance has made law firms hesitant to litigate against the administration, potentially leaving individuals and organizations without adequate legal representation.
What’s in the Memo? Key Directives at a Glance
The memo, issued at 10:14 PM ET, directs Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to initiate the following actions:
- Strictly Enforce Ethics Rules
Immigration lawyers must follow federal ethics guidelines, including ensuring all claims are factually and legally sound. - Sanction “Abusive” Litigation
Attorneys filing lawsuits against the government deemed meritless could face penalties, including monetary sanctions and disciplinary action. - Launch an 8-Year Review of Past Cases
The administration wants officials to examine immigration-related legal work dating back nearly a decade to uncover alleged misconduct. - Terminate Contracts and Revoke Clearances
If misconduct is found, law firms may lose federal contracts, and individual lawyers could see their security clearances revoked. - Refer attorneys for criminal prosecution
Official Rationale: To uphold “professional ethics”
Unstated Goal: To silence dissent and cripple legal defense of immigrants and asylum seekers
Final Thoughts: The Role of an Immigration Lawyer Today
Being an immigration lawyer in 2025 means:
- Constant vigilance and rapid response
- Mastering both the law and crisis management
- Helping clients navigate a minefield of fear and shifting rules
- Staying strong despite emotional fatigue
And yet, this role has never been more essential. Immigration lawyers are defenders of due process, family unity, and constitutional rights. In these challenging times, their work literally changes—and saves—lives.
If you’re interested in discussing the experiences of immigration lawyers during the Trump 2.0 era, you can reach Richard Herman at his Cleveland office:Herman Legal Group
- Phone: +1-216-696-6170
- Email: richardtmherman@gmail.comhandelonthelaw.com
For more information about his practice, visit the Herman Legal Group’s contact page. Herman Legal Group
For help, resources, or to support immigrant communities:
- National Immigration Law Center
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center
- RAICES Texas
- Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP)
