diSrupting the SYSteM: rewriting iMMigratiOn law thrOugh dei
Diversity Committee
continued from page 22
The Florida Challenge
Practicing in Florida presents unique obstacles, from local law enforcement acting as ICE agents to courts frequently denying asylum.“ Florida is a testing ground for what happens when state and federal systems collide— and immigrants bear the cost,” Pfunde notes.
Beyond Translation: Language and Equity
While interpreter access has improved, Pfunde argues that true equity requires cultural competence and trauma-informed communication. Her firm trains clients to advocate for themselves through interpreters.“ If we rely only on the system’ s baseline,” she says,“ we fail them.”
Immigrants and DEI: Still Invisible
Pfunde also challenges DEI programs that overlook immigrant communities. Her vision is one of radical inclusion— where immigrants don’ t just participate but lead.“ Justice doesn’ t come top-down,” she says.“ It rises from the communities we serve— when we truly listen and empower them to lead. Immigrants are diversity personified,” she argues,“ yet often invisible in initiatives focused only on race or gender.” She calls for greater immigrant representation in bar associations, legal education, and pro bono work.
A Call to the Profession
Pfunde urges all lawyers— not just immigration attorneys— to engage.“ Get out of your silos. Learn how your practice affects immigrant clients.” Through her Wynter Immigration Law Academy, she trains accredited representatives and builds incubators for immigrant leaders.“ When lived experience meets legal education,” she says,“ the system starts to shift.”
Rewriting the Rulebook
Pfunde isn’ t calling for incremental reform but rather for reconstruction. If immigration law is to fulfill its promise— and DEI its ideals— the legal profession must be willing to disrupt, reimagine, and do law differently. n
Author: Timothy C. Martin- Martin Law Office, P. A.
J A N- F E B 2 0 2 6 | H C B A L A W Y E R
2 3