WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to President Trump signing S. 5, “the Laken Riley Act,” into law, the National Partnership for New Americans – a coalition of over 83 immigrant and refugee rights organizations across 42 states – issued the following statement:
Said Nicole Melaku, NPNA executive director, “We are deeply disappointed in the members of Congress, of both parties, who have conceded to far right extremism. This legislation, along with the barrage of anti-immigrant executive orders and “made for reality TV” raids across our communities will do nothing to make our communities safer, nor do they confront deeply flawed policy that fails to address the many challenges of an outdated immigration system.
“This bill, along with the ICE operations across the country, are making our communities less safe, will lead to unchecked racial profiling, and instill widespread fear – not only for immigrants, but for everyone. S. 5 is bad policy that erodes trust across communities, diverting attention and capacity of local officials and stakeholders from addressing their constituents’ needs.
“Our communities need real solutions – not policies that cause this level of fear, disruption, and harm. Congress must regain its moral compass and champion solutions that create inclusion, safety, and stability for all members of our communities. We call on all levels of government to take a stand against far right extremism and oppose misguided policy that will cause immeasurable harm across all sectors of our communities.”
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The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is a multi-ethnic, multiracial coalition of 83 of the nation’s largest immigrant and refugee rights organizations with reach across over 42 states. Together with our members, we advance immigrant and refugee equity and inclusion, build and expand immigration legal services and integration programming capacity, and drive campaigns that strengthen democracy through increased civic participation. See our website for more information at partnershipfornewamericans.org.