CHC Condemns Trump Administration’s Rule to Essentially Eliminate US Asylum Protections

WASHINGTON— Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, released the following statement on the Trump Administration's new rule to end asylum protections for most migrants, including children travelling alone, who transit through a third country to seek asylum in the United States:

"Make no mistake: President Trump and Steven Miller are intentionally closing the door on the most vulnerable. This rule nullifies our moral and legal obligation to asylum seekers and tells them that they are not welcome here. Between metering, the Remain in Mexico policy, and this new rule, most migrants will be barred from claiming asylum in the United States. It will result in more children and families dying at our southern border.

"Our country was founded on the principle that those fleeing violence could find safety and that those escaping persecution could find asylum. We have long served as a beacon of hope for those in need. This rule must be challenged in the courts immediately. We cannot allow the Trump Administration to continue violating human rights, contradicting international and domestic laws, and destroying our asylum system."

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), founded in December 1976, is organized as a Congressional Member organization, governed under the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHC is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories.