News & Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2025
PRESS CONTACT
Spencer Tilger | media@refugeerights.org
IRAP CONDEMNS ANNOUNCED TRUMP IMMIGRATION EXECUTIVE ORDERS, VOWS TO CONTINUE “FIGHT FOR A MORE WELCOMING FUTURE FOR ALL”
(New York, NY) – Today, the White House announced that newly-inaugurated President Trump will sign a slew of executive actions attacking the rights and humanity of immigrants and eviscerating the asylum and refugee systems. These include temporarily suspending refugee resettlement and initiating the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program to push asylum seekers back into danger, among others.
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) strongly condemns these orders, many of which would be unlawful and have devastating effects on refugees, immigrants, and the country as a whole. IRAP vows to continue fighting against these disastrous policies.
The following is a statement from Sharif Aly, President of IRAP:
“Trump’s immigration priorities are a combination of political theater meant to sow fear and discord in this country, as well as concrete policy proposals intended to tear apart families and dismantle critical immigration pathways and protections. Make no mistake, the harm has already begun.
Through words and actions, Trump is implementing a dark vision for this country centered around the demonization and scapegoating of immigrants and those who defend their rights and contributions. From refugees and asylum seekers who will be denied the chance to restart their lives somewhere safe, to entire communities thrown into chaos by potential raids, mass detention, and efforts to end birthright citizenship, the implications of these policies are not abstract. These are direct attacks on every immigrant and their neighbors, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. These are attacks on the very idea of the United States as a nation of immigrants.
Thankfully, we are not alone in opposing the cruelty and inhumanity embodied by today’s proposed orders and Trump’s larger immigration agenda. The majority of Americans support people’s right to seek safety in the United States and want an immigration and refugee system that is orderly, safe, and humane. We know that the Trump administration’s actions will only create more chaos and danger while moving us farther from lasting solutions.
For better and for worse, we’ve been here before. Eight years ago, IRAP led the fight against Trump’s Muslim ban, during which thousands of lawyers and everyday Americans showed up to airports around the country to stand up against this discriminatory and illegal act. Together, we were able to push back on Trump’s politics of division and fear and defend our shared values.
The treatment of people seeking safety is a bellwether for the state of democracy and our shared humanity. IRAP is committed to our values and stands ready to once again use our deep expertise and battle-tested legal advocacy strategies to uphold the rights and dignity of people seeking safety and to fight for a more welcoming future for all.”
IRAP experts and attorneys are available for comment and to explain the details, implications, and unanswered questions surrounding today’s executive actions. Email media@refugeerights.org with requests to interview any of the following IRAP experts:
- Deepa Alagesan is a Senior Supervising Attorney in IRAP’s U.S. Litigation Department. Full bio here.
- Laurie Ball Cooper is IRAP’s Vice President for U.S. Legal Programs, where she leads the organization’s litigation, U.S. legal services, and global pro bono departments. She is available for interviews in English and Spanish. Full bio here.
- Adam Bates is IRAP’s Supervisory Policy Counsel, where he leads IRAP’s advocacy on behalf of Afghan and Iraqi allies, including Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants. Full bio here.
- Hannah Flamm is IRAP’s Interim Senior Director of Policy and leads IRAP’s policy advocacy on immigration issues at the border and throughout the Americas. She is available for interviews in English and Spanish. Full bio here.
- Becca Heller is IRAP’s Founder and is available for interviews about IRAP’s response to the Muslim ban and her vision for an orderly and humane immigration system. Full bio here.
Background Resources
- Read IRAP’s statement opposing the re-implementation of Remain in Mexico: HERE
- Read about IRAP’s fight against the 2017 Muslim ban: HERE
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. Everyone should have a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.
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