Immigrants strengthen our economy edition. Immigrants once again are under attack in Congress in a number of different ways. Just one example is a proposal under consideration in the Senate that, under the guise of “border security,” would make it difficult if not impossible for potential immigrants to apply for asylum or parole status, undermining our moral and legal commitments to refugees and asylum seekers. Ironically, were this bill to pass, it could actually harm border security in the long run because many would-be immigrants, desperate to escape from domestic violence or communities torn asunder by gangs, drugs, rape, and other forms of violence would feel they had no option but to try to enter this country illegally.
This proposal – and similar proposals pending in the House – would be in violation of international law, and threaten the lives of people seeking refuge. Make no mistake – if we radically scale back asylum law, thousands of people will be sent back to face persecution and harm. Some will die – and, as always, people of color, women, and LGBTQ people will be disproportionately harmed.
What is so frustrating is that we should be welcoming immigrants, not turning them away. It is not simply that welcoming them is the right, humanitarian thing to do. It is also that – as you will read in this newsletter – immigrants form the backbone of our economy. They grow the economy in a myriad of ways – job creation, launching businesses, paying taxes, shoring up our Social Security and Medicare.
“Contrary to popular belief, immigrants do not take jobs away from American workers,” states the ACLU. “Instead, they create new jobs by forming new businesses, spending their incomes on American goods and services, paying taxes, and raising the productivity of American businesses. Immigrants are good for the economy, not the other way around.”
It is of great concern that some in Congress want to make denying asylum a condition of military and international aid. CHN was one of 188 organizations to write to Congress opposing such restrictive, unlawful and inhumane policy changes. As Congress works to finalize spending bills for FY 2024, you can take action too. Tell Congress: don’t pass harmful immigration restrictions – and don’t pass other radical measures sought by radicals in the House.
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