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November 26th, 2019
Rep. Grijalva Joins in Calls to Stop Illegal “Safe Third Country” Agreement
TUCSON— Today, Rep. Grijalva joined colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security condemning the implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement between the United States and Guatemala.

 

“Trump is making a mockery of our asylum process and international obligations in his illegal pursuit of the “Safe Third Country” agreement with Guatemala,” said Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03). Sending vulnerable individuals to a country that is plagued with violence, especially against women and without the proper infrastructure or resources to absorb the influx is a short-sighted plan with significant long-term ramifications to the region. This is a complete lack of compassion, rationality and leadership from this Administration.”

 

“This agreement is just another racist attempt by this administration to refuse migrants access to asylum. We must fight for those applying for asylum, many who are women and children, and protect them from the dangerous conditions this administration is forcing upon them,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29). “This agreement will not help migrants and will instead send them to dangerous and violent conditions. We must stand up for asylum seekers and against this agreement.”

 

“The implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement with Guatemala is pushing vulnerable refugees back into the same countries they are fleeing – countries with some of the highest murder rates in the world and no asylum systems to fairly process their claims and protect them,” said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16). “These agreements are deliberately intended to erode asylum. I’m proud to join with my colleague, Rep. Sylvia Garcia to call for the elimination of this reprehensible and dangerous policy.”

 

“The ‘Safe Third Country’ agreement is yet another ploy by the administration to undermine our asylum laws while closing the door on  migrants fleeing violence and persecution,” said Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09). “In the face of a humanitarian crisis, we should be welcoming migrants with open arms, not sending them back to the very conditions they’re trying to escape. This complete lack of leadership could have devastating consequences.”

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