WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over the weekend, U.S. Senators released text of a proposed funding bill that includes punitive anti-asylum, anti-immigrant, and detention policies that criminalize immigration, gut the United States’ decades-long commitment to offering protection to those fleeing violence and persecution, and only exacerbate current challenges and needs at the U.S.-Mexico border. The bill would also, per President Biden’s request, give the administration the authority to entirely close the border to migrants seeking safety. Anticipating a likely vote on the bill this week, immigration advocates and allies are voicing their strong opposition to the bill and urging their members of Congress to reject the extreme measure. 

Said Nicole Melaku, National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) executive director, “This bill is a non-starter. Both the House and the Senate have failed to demonstrate genuine leadership and reflect Americans’ overwhelming support for a workable asylum and immigration system. They have failed to do their due diligence to consult directly-impacted groups and our immigrant rights champions in Congress, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Instead, this bill prioritizes playing politics at the expense of vulnerable communities, channeling funds into wars, and implementing violent measures against migrants seeking protection. Chipping away at our nation’s legal and moral obligation to provide asylum is a stain on our country’s legacy and long standing need for immigration reform. We stand with our members and field partners to oppose this bill, and urge our members of Congress to reject this bill and prioritize funding solutions that support welcoming policies and workable immigration pathways.”

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The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is a multi-ethnic, multiracial coalition of 69 of the nation’s largest immigrant and refugee rights organizations with reach across over 40 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