For Immediate Release: December 15, 2023
Media Contact: Carliana Harris
Washington, D.C. – CASA members joined hundreds of immigrant rights activists to take swift action in response to reports of concessions made by the White House to Republican demands for hard-line immigration policies. The negotiations include draconian measures that would lead to forcibly removing immigrant families without legal protections, closing lawful paths of asylum, and reinstating Stephen Miller’s Title 42 policy. All of these policies have had a detrimental impact on the asylum efforts of Black and Brown immigrant families.
In response to the recent reports on potential concessions regarding Trump-era immigration policies, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán stated, “These negotiations are taking place without a single CHC member at the table and not even consulting or engaging our Latino Lawmakers, and that is completely unacceptable. As Chair of the Hispanic Caucus, I urge the President to completely reject these ongoing conversations in which we’re giving up, and we are saying that we’re going to put an end to asylum. We cannot allow that to happen.”
The rapid response event featured influential members of Congress, immigration advocates, and community leaders. All joined together to voice their concerns and urge President Biden to adhere to his campaign promises of establishing a more compassionate and inclusive immigration system.
Senator Bob Menendez weighed in on the matter, expressing his concerns, “When I read reports last night about the abrupt immigration policy changes the Biden administration is considering, I felt like I had entered a time machine back to the Trump era. I could not comprehend how a Democratic President who vehemently countered Trump’s policies as a candidate is seriously putting forward the most anti-immigrant proposal that President Trump himself could only have dreamed of accomplishing.”
“How did we get here?” asked CASA member and immigrant from Nicaragua, Rafael Lacayo. We are now having to launch into rapid response mode to stop Biden from installing Trump-like immigration policies. I am enraged, frustrated, and saddened. I will continue taking action to expose those who continue to attack our Black and Brown immigrant families.”
“In the face of concerning reports on potential concessions in Biden’s negotiations on immigration, CASA stands firm in our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of immigrants,” said Gustavo Torres, CASA’s Executive Director. “We join the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in urging President Biden to engage with immigrant advocacy leaders and refocus the conversation on the supplemental funding bill without reverting to Trump-like policies. We cannot allow the erosion of progress achieved in recent years, and CASA will continue taking action to ensure the well-being of our Black and Brown immigrant families.”
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With over 155,000 lifetime members across 46 US states, CASA is a national powerhouse organization building power and improving the quality of life in the working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. CASA creates change with its powerbuilding model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. www.wearecasa.org