Washington, DC – The New York Times reports that the Trump administration plans to extend its border closure indefinitely, citing the coronavirus pandemic. The ban would keep regions in the north and south of the United States, whose economies rely on the dynamic flow of goods and people across borders, on lock down for the foreseeable future.
It would also trap asylum-seekers outside of the United States and keep them in harm’s way, a goal that President Trump and White House aide Stephen Miller have attempted to achieve through numerous other means over the past three years.
In April, several Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) members issued comments on an interim final rule promulgated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The rule, combined with an order also issued by the CDC, forms the basis for the asylum ban and border closure. The organizations pointed out that the policy has no public health value, since the coronavirus is already in the United States.
Faith Williams, Associate Director of Government Relations & Advocacy at the National Council of Jewish Women and Co-Chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition pointed out: “Blaming immigrants for disease is a long-standing strategy of racists and nativists. It is part of the dehumanization of immigrants this Administration uses on a daily basis. As a consequence of this policy, thousands of people who have fled danger are being turned away without a hearing. This has nothing to do with stemming the spread of a virus that is already here, and everything to do with President Trump and Senior White House Advisor Stephen MIller’s long-standing anti-immigration agenda.”
“It is cruel and inconsistent to urge the reopening of the economy in spite of the pandemic, while simultaneously using the pandemic to shut the door on vulnerable people,” stated Melissa Stek, Justice Mobilization Specialist for the Christian Reformed Church Office of Social Justice. “It is already the most vulnerable among us that have suffered the most from Coronavirus, and this suffering and death will continue if our country refuses to fulfill its internationally recognized obligation to provide refuge for those fleeing violence and persecution. As people of faith that strive to protect the God-given dignity inherent in every human being, we will not stand for this plan that disregards human life.”
“Once again, President Trump is doubling down on nativism and xenophobia instead of implementing science-based policies recommended by public health experts. CWS, the faith community, the medical community, and numerous experts have already strongly opposed the administration’s use of the pandemic as a pretext to turn away asylum seekers. Categorically denying protection to vulnerable populations fleeing danger, violating our moral and legal obligations, does not make us safer; it makes us less human. CWS urges the administration to respond to this public health crisis by screening and welcoming asylum seekers, suspending immigration enforcement activities, and releasing detained immigrants while providing access to medical care,” said Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO of Church World Service.
“The juxtaposition of keeping the U.S. borders sealed shut while simultaneously promoting a re-opening of society during the pandemic is telling and troubling. The United States has nothing to fear from immigrants and asylum-seekers. Indeed, they are the foundation of our country’s strength. Most Americans know this. It is long past time that President Trump recognized the power of welcome,” said Lawrence E. Couch, Director, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.
“In the same breath that the administration tells Americans that our country is safe enough to begin re-opening, it cuts off every conceivable path to protection for the most vulnerable asylum seekers. The mixed messaging is dizzying,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.”
“Because there is no evidence that COVID-19 was introduced into the U.S. by land travel from our borders, we maintain that this is a cheap, cruel tactic the Trump administration is using to keep black and brown people out, since they have been unable to do by other means. As people of faith, we continue to call out the inhumane treatment of our sisters and brothers as unAmerican. As a faithful society, we must recognize the dignity inherent in every human as a God-given gift,” said Stephen Schneck, Executive Director of the Franciscan Action Network.
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of 55 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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