WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s appointment today as acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) raises several concerns.
Among them are Cuccinelli’s record of inciteful and sometimes legally inaccurate statements on matters including military force to respond to asylum seekers, the 14th amendment’s affirmation of birthright citizenship, and Arizona’s SB 1070, “show me your papers” law.
“Whether Ken Cuccinelli’s appointment is lawful remains to be seen,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “Cuccinelli’s track record of anti-immigrant stances and statements is deeply troubling. In the end, we need unifying solutions and smart policy on immigration, not further polarization. Cuccinelli’s installation doesn’t bode well.”