WASHINGTON, D.C. — Multiple developments Thursday challenge American values regarding immigrants and immigration.
In 10 states, Republican attorneys general and one governor are attempting to take on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in the courts if federal authorities do not repeal the program.
In another blow for families, the Trump administration has increased enforcement to target the parents of unaccompanied migrant children, who are sponsoring them after they fled violence in their countries of origin.
These and other developments could create chaos, do nothing to make us safer and might make us more vulnerable.
The travel and refugee ban was partially reinstated Thursday night, affecting visitors from six Muslim-majority countries and refugees who do not have close family in the U.S. or relationships with entities within the country such as employers and schools.
And the House of Representatives passed the “No Sanctuary for Criminals Act” (H.R. 3003), which would undermine local law enforcement’s ability to keep people safe, and “Kate’s Law” (H.R. 3004), which would pave the way for an increase in costly immigration detention.
“Under the guise of public safety, national security and the rule of law, our political leaders have acted rashly, but we are no safer for it,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “We know America is better than this. In today’s America, we have come to know immigrants and refugees in our communities as colleagues, neighbors and friends. It is un-American to adopt a fear-based approach targeting immigrants, turning away from our values of freedom and liberty.”