Statement Opposing Discontinuing Immigration Interpreting Services

The American Translators Association (ATA) has issued a statement opposing the Department of Justice plan to discontinue in-person interpreting services at initial hearings for individuals facing potential deportation.

ATA states that without access to a qualified, professional interpreter, individuals facing deportation from the U.S. will be denied the fair and equal treatment guaranteed under the law. These individuals cannot understand their rights or the process that will determine their eligibility to enter the U.S.

The time and cost savings expected by discontinuing in-person interpreting services will result in additional time and cost as appeals are filed for violations of due process. In consequence, delays will likely be inevitable as new cases are added to an already overburdened U.S. immigration system.

Read the ATA Statement.

Founded in 1959, the American Translators Association is the nation’s largest professional organization for translators and interpreters. Its primary goals include fostering and supporting the professional development of translators and interpreters and promoting the translation and interpreting professions. ATA, based in Alexandria, Virginia, has 10,000 members in over 100 countries. For more information on ATA, please visit www.atanet.org.