ACLU Statement on the Trump Administration’s Latest Immigrant Restrictions

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration today announced a series of new restrictions on temporary worker visas, a further attack on our nation’s immigration system.

The following is a statement from Andrea Flores, deputy director of immigration policy for the American Civil Liberties Union:

“This is not a COVID-19 response or an economic response. It’s the exploitation of a pandemic to institute divisive policies and reshape immigration law, while superseding Congress. For months, public health experts have made common-sense recommendations to curb the spread of COVID-19: Release people held in ICE and CBP detention; suspend civil immigration enforcement; and provide access to testing and treatment for everyone who needs it, regardless of immigration status.

“Instead, while ignoring these recommendations, the Trump administration has banned asylum seekers at the border, green card applicants, foreign students, and now even more immigrants, who are instrumental to our nation’s economic recovery. Congress should immediately investigate the true purpose — and ramifications — of these Stephen Miller bans.”