WASHINGTON—Today, a federal appeals court in California upheld an injunction on Trump’s Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the ‘remain in Mexico’ policy. The policy forced asylum-seeking families to await their asylum hearings in Mexican border towns, exposing them to numerous dangers.

“Trump’s ‘remain in Mexico’ policy has helped create a humanitarian crisis at the border and subjected thousands of families and their children to violent crime in Mexican border towns,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva. “Those with legitimate asylum claims deserve safety in the United States, not violence and uncertainty.”

Approximately 60,000 migrants have been sent to await their asylum hearings in Mexico under MPP. According to Human Rights First, more than 800 migrants have reported falling victim to violent crime like torture, kidnapping, assault, and rape while in Mexico. Rep. Grijalva expressed particular concern for LGBTQ asylum seekers in two letters in the Department of Homeland Security in June and November 2019 due to the high likelihood they become victims of violent crime.

“At its core, ‘remain in Mexico’ is a cruel, heartless policy that exposes thousands to the rampant danger and crime that pushed them out of their home countries,” continued Rep. Grijalva. “The Trump Administration doesn’t want to reform asylum laws. They want to make it so unbearable that they stop people from coming. I’m pleased the court saw through this blatant attempt to effectively deny asylum to those who need it the most.”

###

Stay in touch with Rep. Grijalva:

Newsletter – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Website