HF Statement on Trump’s Executive Order to End His Administration’s Family Separation Policy

June 21, 2018 (New York, NY) – Hispanic Federation President José Calderón has issued the following statement on Trump’s executive order to end his administration’s family separation policy.

“In response to mounting outrage at his policy of separating immigrant families detained at our borders, President Trump has issued an executive order that pretends to resolve the crisis.

“Sadly, however, the implications of the policy change proposed by the President will continue the large-scale incarceration of immigrants, including thousands of young children. Instead of turning away from his administration’s so-called “zero-tolerance” policy of prosecuting immigrants detained at the border, President Trump has instead ordered his Attorney General to pursue a course of action that could see entire families detained for weeks and months as their cases wind their way through our judicial system.

“This is an outrageous and deeply craven attempt to appease Americans angry at his family separation policy while duplicitously expanding the criminalization of immigrants.

“Hispanic Federation and its network of member agencies join with immigrants’ rights organizations across America in calling for an immediate reunification of immigrant families and an end to the criminal prosecutions of immigrants.

“Immigrants, especially those pleading for asylum, should have their cases processed fairly and expeditiously and should be able to wait for the adjudication of their claims without being incarcerated and without losing contact with their families.

“We promise to continue to fight daily President Trump’s noxious anti-immigrant agenda, and to work with allies across the nation to restore America’s place as a beacon of hope for those seeking protection from persecution, oppression and violence.”