President Biden announced a new executive action today, June 4, that would close the U.S.-Mexico border under certain circumstances and prevent people from seeking asylum, turning away adults and families with children, after an arbitrary daily encounters limit has been met.
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns Director Susan Gunn had this to say:
Today, President Biden caused more damage to our already broken immigration system by announcing a plan to temporarily shut off access to the U.S.-Mexico border and restrict asylum for immigrants. Maryknoll missioners are on the U.S. southern border welcoming and assisting asylum-seekers in their pursuit for safety and lives with dignity. We firmly believe that President Biden’s executive order does not live up to the United States’ values and legal obligations to people seeking asylum. The return of those seeking asylum to a place where their lives or freedom are threatened is not only inhumane, but also violates U.S. legal obligations under the Refugee Convention. We strongly urge the president to reverse the executive order and adopt solutions that uphold human life and dignity and benefit the common good, in particular by expanding access to legal immigration pathways and parole.
Please join us in asking President Biden to reverse course on his immigration stance using the form below.