(San Antonio, TX) — On Tuesday, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that forced the Biden administration to restart the Remain in Mexico (MPP) policy. Based on the Supreme Court’s decision, the Biden administration must immediately make good faith efforts to re-implement MPP. MPP systematically dismantled the asylum process and caused unnecessary harm to tens of thousands of asylum seekers who had already experienced dangerous, and often violent journeys for a chance at safety in the U.S. This Trump-era policy was designed to inflict the highest level of suffering on families and children forced to seek refuge in the U.S.
The U.S. government has and continues to turn away thousands of children and families who arrive at our doorstep seeking safety, and has forced them into dangerous makeshift camps with no proper shelter, water, food or medical care. These children and families face on-going intimidation and violence, even kidnapping and rape, and the ever present threat of the pandemic.
“Yesterday’s Supreme Court decision imposes even more suffering onto families who have come to the U.S. seeking safety and hope and instead must now stay in Mexico where they endure kidnapping, rape, and terrible violence,” said Tami Goodlette, Director of Litigation at the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES). “As RAICES has said many times: SEEKING REFUGE IN THE UNITED STATES IS A LEGAL ACT. There is nothing improper, immoral, or wrong about it. MPP violates U.S. and international law and the Biden Administration must move swiftly to fully rescind MPP or it will own MPP and all the violence that results.”
RAICES is more prepared than ever to welcome and receive vulnerable children and families into our communities. We call on the Biden Administration to terminate MPP and demand Congress use all the tools at its disposal to create a humane and welcoming reception at the border.
Contact:
Jessica Ortiz
[email protected]