The following statement is from Damaris Gonzalez, Statewide Immigration Lead Organizer of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to President Joe Biden announcing sweeping asylum restrictions through executive order:

“Playing politics with the lives of people seeking asylum is despicable and must never be normalized. No matter the color of your skin, the language you speak, or how much money you have to your name, seeking asylum is a fundamental human right.

“President Biden’s move to restrict asylum along our southern border not only violates international law, it endangers the lives of thousands of families in need of aid.

“Implementing Trump-like anti-immigrant policies is unacceptable and a step backward for this administration. Any executive order should focus on enacting bold humanitarian solutions to ease tension along our southern border, not on adopting harmful, exclusionary policies.

“TOP is proud to work with immigration justice allies in welcoming people seeking refuge in our communities and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive. We do so while continuing to push for the common-sense, dignified immigration system that our country so desperately needs. Congress must act now to pass comprehensive immigration reform and permanent relief for DACA recipients, providing safety, stability, and security to millions of immigrants who call this country home.”

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About Texas Organizing Project (TOP)

TOP organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris, Bexar, and Fort Bend counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.