Freshman Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX) has asserted that she will be filing legislation to “ensure no funds” are directed to a “misguided” immigration policy that the Trump administration has expanded into the El Paso Port of Entry.
The policy in question is the Department of Homeland Security's “Remain in Mexico” immigration measure that requires those seeking asylum stay in Mexico until their case is addressed.
Opponents of the policy say that by not allowing to cross into the U.S. illegally to seek asylum, applicants will be exposed to crime and overcrowded conditions at current migrant encampments along the southern border.
Escobar agrees, calling this a “shameful policy” that endangers lives and usurps existing federal immigration laws.
Here is Escobar’s full statement:
“Today, the Trump administration decided to once again ignore our immigration laws and expand a dangerous policy in order to deter asylum seekers fleeing violence, persecution and poverty from seeking refuge in our country.
“With this shameful policy, the administration is endangering lives, abandoning its obligation to bring forward smart solutions for our broken immigration system, and imposing on another country the task of solving our immigration challenges.
“Enough is enough. I will soon introduce legislation to ensure no funds are provided for this misguided policy. I urge my colleagues in Congress to stand up against President Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda and join me in this effort.”
