WASHINGTON – Ahead of today’s expiration of the Title 42 policy and House Republicans’ planned vote on H.R.2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, MoveOn Executive Director Rahna Epting issued the following statement:
“Immigrants and migrants are a core part of the fabric of American society and we have an obligation to maintain a system of immigration that balances security, opportunity, and humanity. People seeking asylum should be able to escape from violence and poverty, and seek safety and freedom to build a better life in our country. Immigrants working to support their families and communities should be able to thrive here without the threat of deportation, just like previous generations of migrants. Yet MAGA Republicans refuse to participate in any effort to work with President Biden on a commonsense, comprehensive plan to reform our immigration system.
“The majority of Americans, including MoveOn members, believe there should be an orderly and humane border and more legal pathways to immigration, while Republicans are seeking only to scapegoat immigrants, weaponize the issue, pursue inhumane political stunts, and divide the country. The Secure the Border Act is a MAGA-inspired pipe dream that not only is bad policy but also serves only xenophobes and racists. Building a wall, ending asylum, jailing immigrant families, and deporting unaccompanied minors goes against this nation’s values.
“We should be increasing safe, legal avenues for immigration so that migrants don’t have to risk their lives to cross the border. Policymakers should be expanding resources like access to legal counsel and investing in community-based case management services, so that we can quickly and effectively process people seeking refuge and asylum and address the root causes that are forcing people to take dangerous journeys from their home countries.”
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MoveOn is a people-powered force for progress. MoveOn mobilizes the left to elect Democrats and enact progressive change. We are the homebase for millions of members who refuse to accept the status quo and are moved to take action. For more than a generation, MoveOn has been a bulwark against the radical right, channeling our voices to end wars, protect democracy, and advance justice for all.
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