The following statement is from Jessica Azua, Immigration Justice Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to the expiration of the implementation of Title 42 this week along our nation’s southern border:
“No matter your race, age, background, or economic status, seeking asylum is a fundamental human right.
“Title 42 was underhandedly used by the anti-immigrant Trump administration to restrict access to asylum and other humanitarian protections. It’s past due time the Biden administration stops enforcing this policy that violates both U.S. and international human rights law.
“The end of Title 42 marks an important step toward a more humane and dignified immigration system, but so much more must be done to make this proposed future a reality.
“No more excuses: Congress must prioritize the human rights of migrants and refugees. As we recognize the end of the use of Title 42, we can’t allow policies like President Biden’s new proposed asylum ban and the aggressive expansion of expedited removal proceedings to become the new normal.
“Counter to far-right xenophobia, we will always welcome people seeking refuge into our communities, work to ensure they have access to the resources they need to thrive, and continue to push for the humane and dignified immigration system that our country so desperately needs.”
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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.
This statement was sent out May 13, 2023.