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Family Apprehension Data Shows Need for Immigration Debate

(Arlington, VA) – According to data from the U.S. Border Patrol, apprehensions of families at the border with Mexico surged by 38 percent from July to August. At the same time, apprehensions of unaccompanied minors dropped by about 25 percent. These new apprehension reports come at a time when the number of immigrant children in federal custody has reached the highest level ever – with nearly 13,000 kids currently detained in federal facilities.

 

Daniel Garza. President of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

“Some have tried to justify the so-called zero tolerance policy by asserting that it’s needed to deter unlawful family migration. This data confirms it is not having that effect. Instead, we are seeing that with a booming economy and fewer avenues for legal immigration, there is greater incentive for people to come here in violation of our laws, which is straining our enforcement resources and making it harder for them to focus on those who wish to do us harm.

 

It’s time to stop trying to tackle our immigration challenges with ill-considered and narrowly-focused policy changes, and instead have a real debate in Congress over how to update our system. In particular, we should recognize the tremendous positive contributions that immigrants make to our nation, and stop reducing avenues for legal immigration – in ways that threaten our economy. Until we have an open debate in Congress, and consider the most promising policy options, the American people will continue to be frustrated by the myriad problems in implementing a coherent and effective immigration policy.”

 

For interviews with a representative from the LIBRE Initiative, please contact Brian Faughnan, 202-805-1581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4463