President Trump’s plans to militarize border could cost lives

President Trump stated today that he plans to further militarize the US-Mexico border until a wall is built. He also called for a renewed push for immigration restrictions that would make it more difficult to apply for protection in the United States. Marselha Gonçalves Margerin, advocacy director for the Americas at Amnesty International USA, issued the following statement:

“Over the last few days, President Trump has openly dismissed the desperate situation of people fleeing violence and persecution who only want to find a safe place for themselves and their families. These proposed measures could put the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people in grave danger. Turning our backs on desperate families does not make anybody safer.”

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International, added:

“Many of those seeking entry into the United States are fleeing horrific violence and death threats in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. Instead of recklessly trying to block their pathway to safety, the Trump administration has an obligation to protect all those seeking refuge and to respect their right to claim asylum. To deny them that right would be a serious violation of both US and international law.”

Read more:

USA-Mexico: Trump’s border crackdown pushes refugees into dangerous limbo (News, 15 June 2017)

How to stir up a refugee crisis in five steps, Trump style (News, 28 March 2017)

Central American carnage – how Trump’s border wall would lock refugees in a life of violence and fear (News, 20 February 2017)