For Immediate Release: Dec. 8, 2023
Press Contact: alexandra@quixote.org
All Families, from the U.S. border to Palestine, Deserve a Chance at Life
Washington, DC –The Quixote Center is shocked by reports that the White House is considering backing new restrictions on asylum in exchange for Congressional approval for military aid to Ukraine and Israel. These restrictions could include making it even more difficult to qualify for asylum, codifying an asylum ban, and expanding rapid deportations, all of which would violate international law and destroy asylum protections for people fleeing danger.
“We are extremely alarmed by the White House’s disregard for asylum seekers,” said Executive Director Dr. Kim Lamberty. “The lives of our migrant relatives, friends, and community members are not bargaining tools to trade away. During our visits to our partner shelters in Latin America, we regularly encounter horrific stories of violence from migrant families, experienced both in their home countries and along the migratory path. The only thing that gives them hope despite their experiences is the dream of finding safety and belonging. The proposed measures to roll back asylum would only sow even more chaos and shatter the dreams of so many families fleeing danger.
“We call on Congress to reject any attempt to barter away life-saving asylum protections, especially in exchange for sending more weapons abroad. Intentionally harming Black and Brown families, whether at the U.S. border or in Palestine, has never and will never keep our communities safe. Instead, we urge our elected officials to work collectively for a ceasefire and de-escalation in Palestine. Instead of funding further militarization, detention, and deportation, we call on lawmakers to invest in humane migrant services and solutions so that communities across the United States can thrive.”
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“The Quixote Center empowers vulnerable families and communities to become the artisans of their own destiny through transforming oppressive systems and structures. Inspired by liberation theology and Catholic Social Teaching, we do this through sustainable development, advocacy, economic justice, environmental, and educational initiatives. Our current focus is on Nicaragua and Haiti, where we support programs to empower impoverished families and communities, and support for migrants in Mexico and Central America, where we work to mitigate the damage of US immigration policies. Together with our partners, we dream of a world more justly loving.”