Statements and Quotes

“We call for a reimagining of our asylum policies in light of President Biden’s executive order, which we believe undermines our core values and makes the journey for asylum-seekers unnecessarily difficult,” said Kristyn Peck, CEO, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA). “This order, which expedites the removal of individuals deemed potentially ineligible before they’ve had a fair chance for an asylum interview, or were too far behind in line, repeats the mistakes of the past, such as the 2017 Muslim Ban. We urge the administration to lead with innovative solutions that embody the spirit of our nation of welcome to protect access to asylum and create a more efficient system.”

“Our friends, neighbors, and families are told to ‘do it the right way’ — to follow the legal process. They’re doing just that — showing up to court, complying with the law. Despite this, they’re being arrested and detained,” said Priyanka Gandhi, interim CEO for Immigrant ARC. “This isn’t justice. It’s a deliberate attempt to intimidate and disappear people before they can be heard. We’re defending the integrity of the legal system, protecting every person’s right to due process, and holding the Trump administration accountable for their deeply harmful practices aimed at the most vulnerable communities.”