March 23, 2018
In response to the federal budget approved today, Cynthia Buiza, Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy Center, released the following statement:
This deal is the latest turn in a long, downward spiral, where xenophobic forces push an agenda that is extremist and hateful, and others make concessions which undermine our fundamental values of protecting due process for everyone and recognizing our common humanity.
It is time for a new paradigm, where we no longer allow our tax dollars to fund abuses of power that tear families and communities apart or that expand wasteful, harmful walls and fences.
The good news is that local communities across the country are raising their voices in defense of equality, compassion, and justice, and here in California, we are winning policies that advance these values.
We stand in solidarity with all people who are languishing in detention centers while private prison corporations and local sheriffs line their pockets with profits. We stand in solidarity with border communities who are standing against wasteful, harmful walls and abuses by border patrol. And we stand in solidarity with every community member who faces criminalization and demonization – and with immigrant youth left without permanent protection.