Hispanic Federation Reacts to Expiration of Title 42, New DHS Rule Creating Barriers to Asylum
For Immediate Release: May 10, 2023
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
In response to the expiration of Title 42 and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s new rule that bars immigrants arriving at the border from seeking asylum, Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation, issued the following statement:
“Title 42 was a deadly, Trump-era policy that used men, women, and children fleeing civil strife, violence, and turmoil as political pawns while leaving them in limbo as they sought refuge in the U.S. Its expiration is long-overdue.
“Everyone, including our elected leaders in Congress, knew that Title 42 was going to end, and they have had every opportunity to prop up an immigration system that respects the humanity of the families fleeing unimaginable horrors in their home countries, families who are seeking to build a new life in the U.S. Instead, our elected leaders are augmenting anti-immigrant sentiments by implementing legislation and rules that extend the xenophobic legacy of Title 42.
“We acknowledge that the influx of asylum seekers presents a number of challenges, but the ultimate truth is that communication and accountability among federal, state, and local governments could have, and still can, substantially mitigate these challenges. We stand behind the American dream, and believe that immigrants are integral to our past, present, and future success as a nation.
“If we want to live up to the ideals of the American dream, it’s imperative that Congress take action to help transform the lives of our new neighbors and strengthen our country. Immigrants add trillions of dollars to our economy and pay hundreds of billions of dollars in taxes. Many asylum seekers are also skilled laborers or professionals in their home countries, and they can help fill a void that is currently hurting businesses across the country and straining our economy. With the nation facing a labor shortage, Congress can expedite work authorization for families who have arrived at our border. Giving them the opportunity to legally work and provide for their families will allow them to become self reliant and fuel our economy.
“For asylum seekers who are making or have yet to make the dangerous journey to the U.S., allowing them to seek asylum no matter where they come from, no matter their point of entry, must be preserved and respected. Seeking asylum is a fundamental right, and we cannot create barriers that deny that right.
We’ll only realize justice when those elected to represent us in the highest halls of power work toward real solutions as opposed to using the lives of real people to gain power.”
