Today, Congress held its first hearing on the Trump admin's so-called “Migrant Protection Protocols” or "Remain in Mexico" program since the policy began >10 months ago. This program violates the human & legal rights of tens of thousands of asylum-seekers at our southern border. 
It comes down to this: Trump is trying to end asylum, trample human dignity and due process.
During the >2 hour hearing, Congress heard from expert witnesses who are on the ground daily, including our own staff attorney, Erin Thorn Vela.
During the >2 hour hearing, Congress heard from expert witnesses who are on the ground daily, including our own staff attorney, Erin Thorn Vela.
We shared harrowing stories of our clients, how this policy has forced them into despair with severe violations of their rights. What should have been a beacon of safety for them upon arriving to our borders has turned into a life-threatening nightmare caused by the US government
We also noticed a disturbing pattern by @RepDLesko @RepClayHiggins @RepMikeRogersAL in questioning whether migrants are truly in danger while they are forced to “Remain in Mexico.” Here are some facts by @humanrights1st: bit.ly/2CZlQ0s
In addition to reports by human rights groups, the US State Dept. issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory to Tamaulipas. If the State Dept. deems is too unsafe for its own employees, why does DHS think it's okay to send already vulnerable asylum-seekers to wait there for months?
We see the human cost of this policy every day. By any metric that values human life and dignity, the “Remain in Mexico” policy is a total failure in adequately addressing this humanitarian crisis.
Anyone who claims this policy is a “success” is willfully ignoring the blatant violations, further degrading the institution of asylum, and ensuring that black & brown individuals seeking safety at our borders are denied any protection and held in a constant state of persecution.
Today’s hearing is only the beginning of what Congress must do to end the “Remain in Mexico” policy. One hearing isn’t enough. A few letters aren’t enough.
We need to meet with port directors to demand accountability, call DHS officials to the stand, and substantive investigations by internal watchdogs so that the trauma and terror those waiting in Mexico are facing comes to the forefront of our national discourse.
While we continue advocating to end this policy, please donate to our humanitarian aid partners who delivery life-saving supplies to asylum-seekers daily:
- secure.actblue.com/donate/atargv
- teambrownsville.org/donate
- secure.actblue.com/donate/atargv
- teambrownsville.org/donate
