Due process under threat for everyone
Due process is a fundamental right guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. It protects all people, citizens and non-citizens alike, from arbitrary government decisions and ensures fairness in legal matters. It’s a basic promise: before the government can take away someone’s life, freedom, or property, they must have a fair chance to defend themselves.
But today, that promise is under serious threat.
In April, the U.S. Supreme Court deliberated whether non-citizens have any right to a fair legal process before being removed from the country. Although the justices had different views on how much process is due, the court decided due process protections apply to everyone in America, regardless of immigration status.
Due process means having access to a fair hearing before a neutral judge. It means having the right to speak with a lawyer. It means protecting the integrity of our legal system and protecting our communities.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s reaffirmation comes at a time when immigration policies have made it easier to deport people without traditional legal hearings, raising urgent questions about the strength and future of constitutional protections for all of us.
Weakening due process protections for some puts all of our rights at risk.
Readers can take action by raising their voices in support of a fair legal process for everyone. Have honest and factual conversations with friends and family about why due process matters. Write to your elected officials and urge them to uphold policies that guarantee fair hearings and access to legal representation for immigrants and citizens alike. Support local organizations that provide legal aid to people facing deportation.
Most importantly, remember that standing up for due process isn’t just about protecting others; it’s about defending the fundamental rights that make America a place of justice and fairness for all.
Chris Jessee and Cammy Basak, Co-Presidents
League of Women Voters of the Palatine, Barrington and Schaumburg Areas