Lujan Grisham, Congressional Leaders Condemn Trump's Executive Orders on Immigration

Press Release

Today, the leadership of the Congressional Quad-Caucus -- which is composed of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) -- issued statements condemning President Donald Trump's recent executive orders, which were directly targeted at the immigrant community. President Trump signed executive orders that enable the construction of a border wall, increase funding for detention centers on the border, cut federal funding to sanctuary cities and various other anti-immigrant actions. Quad-Caucus leaders issued the following statements:

CHC Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01):

"The CHC stands united against President Trump's executive orders to build a multi-billion dollar wall and indiscriminately target cities that do not round up people without legal status. These executive orders fail to address our broken immigration system. Instead, they build up hostility toward immigrants and squander taxpayer dollars.

"Mr. Trump grew support for his multi-billion dollar wall on the false assertions that it would curb unprecedented levels of unauthorized immigration and would be paid for by Mexico. In fact, unauthorized immigration levels have been stagnant for the past eight years and it will be hard-earned U.S. taxpayer dollars, not a foreign government that will finance his monument to division and prejudice.

"President Trump's order to halt federal funding to municipalities that do not to turn over all unauthorized immigrants, regardless of the level of the offense will turn neighbor against neighbor, inhibit police departments' ability to ally with communities, and devastate city budgets and services. We are in agreement with Police Chiefs and Mayors across America who believe that the role of local police departments is to fight real crime and keep communities safe, not to act as federal immigration officers.

"Ultimately, Mr. Trump's measures fall extremely short of a first step toward negotiating an immigration system that provides a tough but fair earned pathway to citizenship or legal status, enhances border security, grows the economy, and is in line with our core American values.

"I urge the President to consider the vast wishes of the American people as he begins to address matters on immigration. The lives of immigrant families, refugees, and American citizens hang in the balance. So too does America's standing as a beacon of freedom, justice, and hope."

CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond (LA-02):

"President Trump's actions today make it clear that he is willing to sacrifice long-term progress for short-term displays of intolerance. Instead of ensuring the safety and security of the American people, the President is prioritizing intolerance and fear-mongering. Instead of focusing on strengthening and supporting our communities through smarter strategies, he is attacking American cities. The President will attempt to spend $20 billion in taxpayer money and seize land owned by American citizens to build a wall when he should be focused on American jobs and protecting the rights of all Americans. Unfortunately, this is only the latest example that President Trump is more concerned with show than substance and is willing to take actions that hurt the very people he claims to represent."

CAPAC Chairwoman Judy Chu (CA-27):

"Immigrants are the bedrock of our nation, and building a wall on our southern border, threatening to withhold funds from sanctuary cities and states, and refusing refuge to those fleeing violence and persecution are actions that run contrary to our values as a nation. Unfortunately, rather than focus on securing and unifying our country, President Trump has continued to promote intolerance and divisiveness that will make our communities less safe.

"Welcoming immigrants and refugees into our country has strengthened communities, brought vibrancy to our economy, and cemented the U.S. as a moral leader in the world. American taxpayers should not be forced to foot a massive bill to build an outrageous and ineffective border wall, nor should local law enforcement agents be forced to employ policies that sow mistrust and hamper their ability to fight crime.

"Instead of promoting these senseless policies, President Trump should bring forth comprehensive immigration reform, and focus on bringing our country together rather than isolating entire communities."

CPC Co-Chair Raul Grijalva (AZ-03):
CPC Co-Chair Keith Ellison (MN-05)
CPC First Vice-Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02):

"As Americans we are best when we hold our values close. We value the freedom to practice one's religion without persecution, the freedom of self-determination, the freedom to build a good life for oneself and one's family -- these values are non-negotiable. But President Trump, and the Republicans who support him, are acting as if our shared beliefs, set forth in the Constitution, can be tossed aside.

"We are stronger when our decisions reflect our shared values of inclusion and equality. We are safer when we unite against actual threats. Demonizing people in search of a better life only increases ill-will towards us around the world. Forcing local jurisdictions by presidential mandate to assist with civil immigration enforcement will break faith with immigrant communities only to sow fear and mistrust. Militarizing the southern border and making immigration detention mandatory will only waste exorbitant amounts of taxpayer money and ensure vulnerable people continue to live in fear.

"Refugees, by definition, are those fleeing persecution -- not persecutors themselves. Closing our borders to refugees fleeing devastation and war is morally indefensible. It's cruel and it's un-American.

"Later this year, Congress will have an opportunity to block these discriminatory policies. The CPC hopes that colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join us using the power of the purse to stop these attacks on our fundamental values.

"This isn't just campaign rhetoric anymore. It's policy. And it may endanger people's lives."

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