While the Senate was not able to proceed on a vote regarding the DREAM Act, the importance of this legislation is in no way diminished. The American Bar Association looks forward to working with members of both parties to enact sensible immigration reform, including passage of this act.

All people are born free, with fundamental rights and hopes. These rights deserve respect, and lawyers play an important role in ensuring their protection. The story of immigration in all its forms is as old as America itself, and has made our country a leader in human rights and prosperity. This country has always been a beacon for immigrants from every corner of the Earth. This includes those who come seeking the hard and temporary work of migrant labor.

More than two hundred years ago today, what Americans call the “Bill of Rights” — the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution — became the law of the land. Those collective safeguards of American liberty are just as important today as they were the day they were ratified.

There is no more courageous or important mission than the fight for human rights and dignity. On Human Rights Day 2010, the American Bar Association recognizes those who fight injustice in their home countries and around the globe. While lawyers play an important role in protecting the rule of law based on universal human rights principles, we are but part of the solution.

In light of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act) coming to a vote in Congress, President Stephen N. Zack of the American Bar Association urges Senators and Representatives to vote in favor of the DREAM Act in a letter to Congress.

At last, the American legal profession has clear and final relief from attempts to solve a non-existent problem that would have created paper-pushing and raised legal costs. Congress acted decisively in passing legislation that clarifies how the Federal Trade Commission should apply the Red Flags Rule.

Today marks the 69th anniversary of the Japanese military’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. As memories age, it is important that we never forget those members of “The Greatest Generation” who sacrificed their lives to defend our liberties and the rule of law not only at Pearl Harbor but during the entire period of World War II. The American Bar Association is committed to liberty, freedom, and justice. As its president, I proudly remember and salute those who served and sacrificed 69 years ago to protect those values!

There is not a single American who does not support the overall principles of the deficit commission and they should be praised for taking on such a hard and complicated issue. The ABA has just received this report and will immediately study its proposals. However, regarding medical malpractice claims, this fundamental principle holds true: People who are hurt must have a way to be made whole, and have their long term care and expenses covered.

Following aggressive advocacy on behalf of America’s lawyers, the end is in sight regarding how the Federal Trade Commission should apply the “Red Flags Rule. Last night’s Senate vote to clarify the rule so that lawyers are clearly not included was a critical step in ending a bureaucratic effort to solve a non-existent problem with paper-pushing regulations that would have increased legal costs.

It has been 30 years since the first AIDS cases have been diagnosed in the United States. On World AIDS Day, we remember the more than half a million Americans who we have lost to this disease. We renew our commitment to overcoming the stigma and discrimination that persist, which blocks effective HIV prevention, testing and treatment; and we recommit to protecting the civil and human rights and the health information privacy of people with HIV/AIDS in the United States and throughout the world.

Children in the United States should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute to the welfare and security of this country. It should be the policy of our nation to promote and reward young scholars and the selfless heroism of those who volunteer to protect us. The DREAM Act serves this purpose.

ABA President Stephen N. Zack was one of six recipients of the prestigious Legal Legends Award, given by the HistoryMiami’s 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society on Nov. 20. This honor is bestowed upon legal professionals who have committed at least 25 years to South Florida’s legal system.