25 MAY 2022

Immigration Hub on Failure to Address Gun Violence and Senate Vote to End Asylum Rule: “Absolutely Contemptible.”

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Senate Republicans are forcing a vote to end a new asylum rule, which lays out a plan to reduce the backlog, create processing centers and increase reviews of cases, among other components to meet the needs at the border. The rule is a critical piece of the Biden administration’s plan to manage migration, keep families together and ensure an orderly process at the border. Nothing in this rule changes the law regarding release of asylum seekers at the border.

Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, responded to the latest development:

“Yesterday, nineteen children and two teachers lost their lives in yet another act of senseless gun violence. Today our nation is heartbroken and outraged at the lack of action by our national and state leaders. Twenty three years ago, I lost twelve classmates and a teacher at Columbine High School. Since then, over 311,000 children have experienced gun violence at school. We knew that policy changes were needed then - and yet here we are again in mourning. 

“There is no longer time or patience for empty thoughts and prayers by politicians, or opaque calls for reform and both sides-ism without identifying and calling out the problem. For the past two decades, Republican leaders have blocked gun control efforts at every turn. They have chosen millions of dollars in campaign funding from the gun lobby and a pursuit of divisive politics and policies over real solutions to protect and help America’s children and families. 

“And in a shocking illustration of this lack of concern for children and families, Senate Republicans have callously decided to ignore America’s demand for action on gun violence and, instead, continue to try to politicize the border and bulldoze our asylum system, jeopardizing the lives of people fleeing violence and persecution. It’s absolutely contemptible.

“The irony is not lost here and sends a clear message to the public: Republicans do not have the will or compassion to deliver solutions that protect children and empower families, regardless of where they come from or what they’ve suffered. They are intent on politicizing the issue of immigration, creating a walled-off America, and dismissing the will of the majority. Their action shows a complete dereliction of their duty as elected members of Congress.

“Senate Democrats must remain united and owe it to the American people to fight tooth and nail to keep our kids safe. This isn’t the moment to undo a policy critical to our asylum system and the families who depend on it. This is a moment to stand with the community of Uvalde in honoring the victims of yesterday’s shooting and, as importantly, doing something about it.”

To urge elected leaders to take action against gun violence, please visit Moms Demand Action, Everytown for Gun Safety, Giffords for Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and Community Justice Action Fund.

###

The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.