Leading immigration group opposes return to Trump-era inhumanity
[Washington, D.C.] – The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), a leading coalition advancing equity and inclusion of immigrant and refugee communities, released the following statement in light of reports that the Biden Administration is considering reinstating family detention policies at the U.S.border.
Statement for attribution to NPNA Executive Director Nicole Melaku:
“The practice of detaining families that have arrived here in search of a better life was an inhumane one when the Trump and Obama administrations practiced it, and will be an inhumane practice if the Biden administration decides to reinstate it. When previously used, it was a gross human rights violation that created trauma and abuse, in addition to being ineffective towards deterring migration. President Biden has stated that children should not be held in cages, but is now reportedly considering reinstating family detention, despite his pledges and our national values and international commitments to offer refuge for those seeking asylum. We are beyond appalled by these reports and urge the Biden administration to not go full Trump in detaining families, implementing regulations that ban asylum, expanding the use of fast-tracked deportation proceedings, and turning its back on our basic legal and moral commitments to respect the human rights of asylum-seeking families.”
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About NPNAThe National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is a national multiethnic, multiracial organization that represents 61 of the largest regional immigrant and refugee rights organizations in 40 states. Its members provide large-scale services for the communities, to leverage their collective power and expertise for a national strategy. Learn more at partnershipfornewamericans.org.