(NEW YORK, NY) – In response to new Department of Homeland Security policies aimed at harsher immigration enforcement, Justin Mazzola, researcher for Amnesty International USA, released the following statement:
“These policies will undoubtedly pave the way for human rights violations in the U.S. By expanding an enforcement and detention program that is notoriously rife with problems, they continue the Trump administration’s inhumane approach both to immigration policy and immigrants themselves. There is a very serious risk these policies will lead to widespread racial profiling and will have grave consequences for families all over the country. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has a long history of identifying, detaining and even deporting those with claims for citizenship – even U.S. citizens. The U.S. cannot close its borders to those seeking asylum and cannot continue to ignore its human rights obligations.”