WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today President Trump issued executive orders that call for building a wall at the southern border and ending so-called sanctuary cities, among other measures.
The following is a statement by Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum:
“A vast number of Americans have deep concerns regarding President Trump’s actions today, even many who voted for him. There is a better way to keep the country safe, to ensure American workers and their families get a better deal and to build a more inclusive society.
“A wall does nothing to shore up ports of entry, where law enforcement sees the majority of drugs, guns and money being smuggled. Make America safer by updating ports of entry.
“Pressuring local law enforcement to take on immigration responsibilities undercuts the very oath they take to ‘serve and protect’ the entirety of their community. Smart law enforcement is built on intelligence gathering and trust, which are dramatically undermined once the cop on the corner is asking victims of crime about their immigration status.
“When all is said and done, these orders will cost the American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and will undermine who we are as a nation. There are better, smarter ways to proceed.
“To fully carry out many of today’s orders will require action from Congress. All eyes will be on congressional Republicans and how they respond. In making our safety and security priority No. 1, they need to put forward effective approaches that are risk-based and not a drain on American workers and taxpayers.”
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