WASHINGTON— Today, President Joe Biden will sign three executive orders concerning immigration and border policies. The executive orders will create a family reunification task force to reunite families separated by former President Trump’s family separation policy, implement a strategy to address the root causes of migration from Central America while reestablishing the asylum process at the Southern Border, and reaffirm the United States as a nation of immigrants by requiring all government agencies to conduct a review of its policies to determine if they put an undue burden on those seeking naturalization.
“For four years, the Trump Administration’s immigration policies created a humanitarian crisis at the Southern Border,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva. “Those of us from the borderlands saw the unspeakable cruelty directed toward those seeking asylum and safety for their families and experienced firsthand the chaos wrought on our communities with increased militarization. These executive actions by President Biden are a positive step toward a more humane immigration system, and I urge him to continue implementing policies that improve conditions along the border.”
The actions reverse the zero-tolerance policy responsible for the separation of families at the border and order the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a review of the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy that has left thousands of asylum seekers stranded in dangerous situations in Mexico. Federal agencies are instructed to review controversial policies like the Public Charge rule and others that have created unnecessary hurdles for immigrants seeking legal status. Additionally, the actions address the root causes of migration by facilitating work with foreign governments and international organizations to fight corruption and strengthen human rights protections, democratic norms, and the rule of law in Central American countries.
“Immigration policies should be centered around creating and strengthening an immigration system that actually works, not one that only seeks punishment, separates families, and demonizes those in need,” continued Rep. Grijalva. “Our country is stronger and more prosperous thanks to the contributions of immigrants, and I look forward to working with the Biden Administration and my colleagues here in Congress on a comprehensive immigration bill that will make a more humane immigration system a reality. We can’t afford to wait.”
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