FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 17, 2022 Press Contact: Jessica Ortiz, [email protected]
“With the growing refugee crisis in Afghanistan and now Ukraine, the administration’s emphasis on policing and deterring those seeking safety in our communities is even more troubling.”
San Antonio, TX – San Antonio, TX – In response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address, Erika Andiola, Chief Advocacy Officer at RAICES, released the following statement:
“After more than a year of inaction on immigration, President Biden’s State of the Union speech made clear that the administration has no intention of taking the steps necessary to protect immigrants and refugees. Increasing border patrol and surveillance will not fix our immigration system; it will only serve to further terrorize our communities.
“With the growing refugee crisis in Afghanistan and now Ukraine, the administration’s emphasis on policing and deterring those seeking safety in our communities is even more troubling. Seeking refuge is a human right, and the U.S. must meet this moment with rapid action to support all refugees and asylum seekers.
“President Biden ran on a platform to reclaim the soul of America by taking urgent action to undo Trump’s damage and reclaim our values as a nation of immigrants. But unfortunately, this administration has not only failed to keep the promises to immigrant communities, but is also refusing to do even the bare minimum of ending the cruel and immoral immigration policies of the Trump era.
“When it comes to immigration, President Biden is not just carrying out the toxic, white supremacist legacy of the Trump era, but unbelievably in some instances he has doubled down. His priority has been not to defend our communities and welcome immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, but rather deter as many people from entering the United States as possible.
“Immigrant communities are tired of being an afterthought. We are tired of excuses. President Biden must take immediate action to end all the racist immigration policies of the Trump era, specifically ending Title 42 and the Migrant Protection Protocols which are causing so much trauma and terror. He must deliver on his promise to permanently protect thousands of undocumented immigrants by pushing Democrats in the Senate to overrule the parliamentarian, fire the parliamentarian, or abolish the filibuster to ensure immigration provisions remain in Build Back Better.
“President Biden has the tools at his disposal to make the necessary and urgent changes to protect all immigrants and refugees. It’s time for him to deliver.”
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The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees. Learn more at raicestexas.org.Share This Page
