FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2024
CONTACT: Bilal Askaryar | press@acaciajustice.org
Biden Administration’s Border Shutdown is Immoral, Ignores Solutions Communities Need
85 years after the United States turned away a ship of Jewish refugees seeking asylum, history is repeating itself
[WASHINGTON] – Shaina Aber, executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice, released the following statement in response to President Biden’s announcement today that he will temporarily close the U.S. border to people seeking asylum:
“History is repeating itself. Today’s announcement comes 85 years after the United States turned away the MS St. Louis, a ship of Jewish refugees fleeing the Holocaust forcing the vessel and its passengers seeking protection to return to Europe. Now, President Biden has chosen to repeat this grave injustice, imposing quotas to turn back people fleeing violence and persecution at our border.
“It is heartbreaking that President Biden is doubling down on the same failed policies championed by those who consistently want to play politics and stoke xenophobia at the expense of people’s lives. Shutting down the border does nothing to address the root causes of forced migration, nor will it uphold the rights and dignity of people seeking safety at our border.
“Our partners along the border and in the communities welcoming our new neighbors remind us every day that they are not overwhelmed by people seeking safety; they are overwhelmed by the lack of political will to implement real solutions that would create an immigration system that upholds the values the majority of Americans hold. We need a balanced approach that is fair, protects due process, upholds our ideals and treaty obligations, and protects the dignity and lives of people seeking asylum. Seeking asylum is not illegal; it is a human right.”
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