Immigrants' rights organizations have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in response to a proclamation aimed at shutting down asylum at the U.S. border. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Immigrant Justice Center, Texas Civil Rights Project, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS), ACLU of the District of Columbia, and ACLU of Texas initiated the legal action on behalf of several immigrant advocacy groups.
The proclamation, known as "212(f)," is criticized for citing an "invasion" as justification to deny asylum protections. Advocates argue that this move endangers individuals who face persecution if returned to their home countries. The proclamation allegedly contradicts existing protections established by Congress and upheld by courts.
"This is an unprecedented power grab that will put countless lives in danger," stated Lee Gelernt from the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project. Richard Caldarone from the National Immigrant Justice Center emphasized that immigration laws do not grant the president power to override Congress or violate treaty obligations related to refugee protection.
Rochelle Garza from the Texas Civil Rights Project described Trump's directive as "extreme" and "unjust," highlighting its impact on families seeking safety. Jennifer Babaie from Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center condemned attempts to dismantle asylum processes through misinformation about an "invasion."
Laura St. John from the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project noted that the proclamation complicates their efforts to assist those seeking protection in the U.S. Melissa Crow from CGRS accused the administration of using conspiracy theories as a pretext for policy changes.
Javier Hidalgo from RAICES criticized what he termed a "cowardly xenophobic agenda" and stressed the importance of judicial checks on executive power abuses. Scott Michelman from ACLU of D.C. called Trump's border shutdown attempt an affront to American values and history.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., with further details available online.
