January 10, 2023
“We expect better from the Biden Administration than one step forward and three steps back.” – Cynthia Buiza
The following is a statement from Cynthia Buiza, Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy Center. For more information, please contact communications@calimmigrant.org.
LOS ANGELES, CA – “The right to asylum is a fundamental lifeline for immigrants and refugees seeking protection, and it is our moral responsibility, as a member of the international community, to uphold that right. The Biden administration can and must do better, not further entrench Trump-era policies like Title 42.”
“Recent data shows that Americans overwhelmingly believe in investing in a fair, fast, and accurate asylum system, but that’s not what this policy is doing. This new ‘transit ban,’ blocking travel through a third country, imposes different standards for asylum-seekers based not only on country of origin, but also income. We need fair policies that work for asylum-seekers regardless of their nationality or means.”
“As a border state, California currently faces the undue impact of arrivals at the border, and we know that piecemeal solutions like this haven’t worked before and won’t work now. It’s time for Congress and President Biden to take decisive action to better our immigration system for those who need it most.”
“Taking steps to expand legal pathways for migrants from some countries is the bare minimum that the U.S. can do to address the deep and long-standing challenges in our immigration system. We expect better from the Biden Administration than one step forward and three steps back. This approach is not in line with the promises the Administration made to stand up for social justice, for families, and for immigrants.”
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The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) is a statewide immigrant rights organization that advocates for policies that protect and advance the rights of immigrants and their families throughout California. CIPC combines legislative and policy advocacy, strategic communications, statewide organizing, and regional coalition capacity building to pursue its mission of advocating for policies that uphold the humanity of immigrants and refugees while advancing racial, social, and economic justice.
Contact:
Ian Moor communications@calimmigrant.org(323) 303-4372