IMMIGRATION FIXES REQUIRE BROADER REFORM

(Washington, D.C.) – Attorney General Sessions and Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tom Homan have announced a change in immigration enforcement. In an attempt to deter unlawful immigration, families who are apprehended attempting to enter the United States will be criminally charged and separated, with children being sent to government-funded shelters or to live with other family members, if they can be located. Parents would be reunited with their children only after their immigration claims have been fully adjudicated. The policy would apply even in cases where children are young, according to press reports.

The LIBRE Initiative and Freedom Partners Chambers of Commerce recently announced a major campaign to encourage Congress to act on a proposed deal to enhance border enforcement, while also providing permanent relief for the Dreamers.

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

“Separating parents from children does nothing to make us safer – which should be the focus of border security efforts. It is bad for the families and bad for America. This overly broad policy will only overwhelm an already burdened system and actually make it harder for our enforcement agencies to focus on keeping out those who wish to do us harm. Discretion at the border is critical to ensuring that only those that belong in the criminal system are directed there.

Rather than focus solely on enforcement measures that do not ensure our safety, the President and his Administration should instead actively work with Congress to find durable solutions to our immigration system. Congressional leaders should also do their part to reach consensus and bring sound solutions to a vote. Congress can start by acting now on a deal that provides certainty to Dreamers and enhances security at the border. This would be a positive first step.”

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

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