Rep. John Garamendi Statement on Trump’s Immigration Executive Orders

President Trump's immigration-related executive orders signal an alarming departure from the values that have long defined our country. His orders to end birthright citizenship, pause refugee admissions, link local law enforcement to immigration authorities, and mobilize military presence at the border through a national emergency proclamation are reckless, unconstitutional, and a blatant abuse of presidential power. 

It is time for Congress to fix our broken immigration system by enacting the bipartisan immigration reform that was developed in the Senate last year, which increased law enforcement and judicial capacity at the U.S. Southern border. Unfortunately, this bipartisan legislation was rejected by Republicans at the direction of Donald Trump.

Mobilizing U.S. troops to support law enforcement in their deportation efforts is a dangerous and inappropriate militarization of our civilian affairs, a misuse of resources, and a threat to our democratic principles. We need comprehensive immigration reform that reflects the realities of today's world and aligns with the principles of fairness and humanity. It is time for leadership that unites, not divides, and works toward a system that respects the dignity and rights of all people.