The Florence Project is dismayed and horrified by the Trump administration’s decision to continue the militarization of the southern border and to violate U.S. and international laws by attempting to restrict many migrants from seeking asylum.
On Monday, October 29, the Trump administration announced over 5,000 troops would be deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border as an act of attempted deterrence toward migrants seeking asylum in the United States. We stand firmly against the escalated militarization of the border and believe that migrants seeking refuge in the United States should be met with open arms.
On Thursday, November 1, the President announced that he will issue an expansive Executive Order illegally restricting the ability of people to seek asylum in the United States and detaining asylum seekers and other immigrants indefinitely. Both of these actions are human rights violations.
The right to seek asylum, whether or not one presents at a port of entry, is unambiguously protected by United States and international law. This year, the rights of asylum seekers have been under consistent and escalating attack. Today’s announcement is another in a series of legal decisions and hateful rhetoric that has chipped away at asylum seekers’ humanity and dignity.
Detaining people indefinitely is cruel and inhumane. Forcing parents to make the impossible choice of giving up their children or letting them be detained indefinitely is unimaginably callous and merciless. Inciting hatred and fear of migrants is immoral and dangerous.
Today’s announcement was full of hateful language and lies about those who seek refuge on America’s shores. We will not stand down, and we ask you to stand with immigrants.
What can you do?
- Call your Senators and Representatives and urge them to denounce the militarization of the border and these inhumane attacks on immigrants.
- Follow the Florence Project on Facebook and Twitter and share updates with networks.
As we have for 30 years, the Florence Project will continue to advocate for the rights of all migrants, including the right to safety and to be treated fairly under the law.
Thank you for standing with immigrants today.
