FWD.us Statement on Ninth Circuit Decision on the Trump Administration’s Asylum Ban and “Remain in Mexico”

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a decision upholding an injunction that prevents the Trump Administration’s asylum ban and the Remain in Mexico policy (also known as “Migrant Protection Protocols”) from continuing to go into effect. FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement:
“The Trump Administration’s continual efforts to essentially eliminate the entire asylum system at our Southern border harkens back to the worst moments in our nation’s history. Today’s decision from the Ninth Circuit is a rebuke of the Trump Administration’s hardline immigration policy, and reaffirms that Remain In Mexico violates both the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and the United Nations Convention on Refugees.

“More than 60,000 people — including over 16,000 children — seeking the lawful right to asylum in the United States are living in unsafe conditions in Mexico as they await their day in court. Depriving these already-vulnerable families access to the asylum system both leaves them in extreme danger, and also undermines due process.

“It’s also important to note for more than the 60,000 people currently trapped in Mexico that if this policy does not go into effect immediately, families will remain in danger. We urge the Trump Administration to allow the Remain in Mexico policy to end.

“The United States has been made stronger, more prosperous, and more vibrant because of the contributions of people seeking refuge and asylum who have fled their homes in search of safety and freedom. We are encouraged by the ruling from the Ninth Circuit and will continue to reject the premise that smart immigration policy requires separating families, ending legitimate pathways for immigrants to come to the United States legally, or eliminating due process for people seeking asylum.”

Background
In today’s ruling, the Ninth Circuit reversed its first opinion on Remain In Mexico and held that the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) unambiguously does not permit the government to return people seeking asylum to Mexico. The Court also reaffirmed that Remain In Mexico violates international law and the United Nations Convention on Refugees.

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