WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security has released memos regarding the implementation of two immigration-related executive orders, on “Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvement” and “Enforcement of the Immigration Laws to Serve the National Interest.”
The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of National Immigration Forum, regarding the two memos:
“With today’s memos, we have further evidence that President Trump’s drastic increase in immigration enforcement resources will cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars, undermine local law enforcement and weaken our values as a nation.
“The executive orders make nearly all undocumented immigrants an enforcement priority, stretching valuable law enforcement resources well beyond the real public safety threats of violent criminals. The orders undercut local law enforcement’s efforts to build trust and keep all of us safe, hurt American workers and business owners who rely on immigrants, and separate families.
“Americans of all stripes will feel the consequences.
“There are better ways. President Trump should use his speech to Congress next week to lay out a constructive vision regarding immigration where both parties work together to pass immigration reforms that serve the interests of American workers by ensuring that immigrants get right with the law, come out of the shadows and continue to contribute to a healthy economy.”