Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, The New York Times reported the Trump administration plans to shut down all entry to asylum seekers at the southern border. This proposal would effectively turn all seeking refuge at the Southern Border away from ports of entry back to Mexico without due process, including unaccompanied minors and other folks who are most vulnerable.
United We Dream Action and other leading progressive and immigrant rights organizations put together a petition demanding Trump and government at all levels prioritize care for all individuals regardless of immigration status.
Cristina Jiménez, Executive Director and Co-Founder of United We Dream Action, said:
“Throughout his mishandling of the COVID-19 health crisis, Trump has stayed consistent in his ability to use any and every opportunity to be racist and xenophobic and push his white supremacist agenda. The decision to turn people, including unaccompanied minors, away from the southern border is the administration focusing on scapegoating immigrants, rather than delivering real solutions to help people during this dangerous global outbreak.
Instead of refusing entry to those most in need, the administration should be ensuring all people, regardless of immigration status, have access to the health care they need to limit the spread of COVID-19. United We Dream Action and others have demanded that the Trump administration, and government at all levels, respond swiftly and universally to protect and support everyone during this crisis, including suspending immigration enforcement from ICE and CBP. Unlike Trump, this virus will not discriminate based on borders, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation. Trump should not use this crisis to shirk the responsibility we have to asylum seekers and those most vulnerable.”