Jayapal Statement on the Trump Administration’s New Guidance For Asylum Seekers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal released the following statement in response to reports that under new guidance, the Trump administration will turn away more asylum seekers at our borders:

“Every new immigration policy to come out of the Trump administration continues to be an affront to our values as a nation. After the courts struck down his cruel family separation policy, Trump is desperately grasping for new ways to keep immigrants out by any means possible. By blocking families and people escaping gang and domestic violence from even applying for asylum, the president is attacking some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Make no mistake, this inhumane policy endangers the lives of people fleeing unspeakable violence and abuse—many of whom are women and children. U.S. and international law are very clear: The United States must respect people’s rights to pursue asylum, no matter how an individual enters a country. All people who come to the United States should be treated with dignity and respect. Every day in Congress I will continue the fight to protect these families and their basic human and civil rights.”

Issues: Immigration