FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 4, 2024
CONTACT:
Graciela González
Director of Communications, Latino Policy Forum
312-728-4291; ggonzalez@latinopolicyforum.org
Latino Policy Forum Statement on President Biden’s Executive Order Restricting Asylum
“We want this administration to honor our asylum laws and implement commonsense solutions that respect human rights, such as work permits for the long term undocumented, not ineffective border policies such as today’s executive order.”
CHICAGO — Today, President Biden signed an executive order that will allow him to temporarily seal the southern border if weekly average daily crossings exceed 2,500, only to be reopened after crossings fall below 1,500. The number of daily crossings is estimated to be more than 4,000, far exceeding the newly imposed threshold, meaning that the border will be sealed off immediately. Today’s action will effectively block migrants seeking asylum from applying for protection.
Sylvia Puente, president and CEO of the Latino Policy Forum, has issued the following statement in response:
“Migrants have a right to seek asylum in the United States, period. This action is dangerous and goes against the values of this country. It is frustrating that both migrants and long-term undocumented immigrants and their families must pay the price for Congress’s inaction on immigration reform.
“Immigrants, whether newly arrived or here for decades, are good for the United States. They should be embraced and welcomed because they add value to the fabric of our society, make invaluable contributions to our economy, and are a reflection of who we ought to be as a country, a beacon of hope for those yearning to be free.
“We want this administration to honor our asylum laws and implement commonsense solutions that respect human rights, such as work permits for the long term undocumented, not ineffective border policies such as today’s executive order.”
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About the Latino Policy Forum
The Latino Policy Forum is the only organization in the Chicago area that facilitates the involvement of Latinos at all levels of public decision-making. The Forum conducts analysis to inform, influence and lead. Its goals are to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies, and engage diverse sectors of the community, with an understanding that advancing Latinos advances a shared future. For more information, visit www.latinopolicyforum.org.