Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared victims of domestic abuse and gang violence would not qualify for political asylum under U.S. federal law on Monday, June 11. Advocates say the new policy will endanger thousands of black and brown folks seeking safety in the country. Sessions believes his decision will restore "sound principles of asylum and long-standing principles of immigration law.”
OK.
It is ruthless moves like these that have many people of color convinced of the U.S. government's lack of concern for their best interest. In a short period, the Trump administration has created a track record of destroying the lives of black and brown people.
1. Immigrants are still held in cages like animals.
It's a tragedy children have been separated from their parents by U.S. Border and Customs and held in cages while they wait to be "processed." This practice occurred during Obama's administration. However, it is clear Trump has no plans to end this cruel treatment. A speechwriter for President Barack Obama recently said, "This is happening right now, and the only debate that matters is how we force our government to get these kids back to their families as fast as humanly possible."
2. An ICE agent shot and killed an innocent 20-year-old.
When Claudia Patricia Gómez Gonzáles left her home in Guatemala for a better life in the U.S., her dreams ended when a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement fatally shot her. The officer who shot her is on administrative leave, but punitive action has yet to occur.
3. Immigrant children can no longer receive legal aid.
In January, a California court banned immigrants who are minors in the U.S. without legal authorization from receiving government-paid lawyers.
The decision was a slap in the face to activists who have been fighting to get legal support for children facing deportation for years.
4. There's a heartless policy that separates immigrant children from their families
In May, Jeff Sessions implemented a policy which called for undocumented children to be separated from their parents once taken into custody at the border.
"If you cross this border unlawfully, then we will prosecute you," Sessions said. "It’s that simple."
#BlackLivesMatter began in 2014, after the murder of Mike Brown. It's phrase, hashtag, marches and protests have all become a necessary reminder that we still matter. Despite inhumane treatment by our current government, brown and black lives will always matter–today, tomorrow and forever.
5. The Muslim travel ban
Last year, Trump signed an executive order with plans to ban the immigrants of seven predominantly Islamic countries from visiting the U.S. for 90 days. He also suspended national entry for all Syrian refugees and restricted other refugees from entering the country for 120 days.
6. The attempt to build a wall
The wall's purpose would be to eliminate the diversity visa lottery and keep families from crossing the Mexican border into the U.S.
7. Shutting down the DACA program
Sessions announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in September 2017. The decision could ruin the lives of around "690,000 Dreamers" who immigrated to the U.S. as minors.
8. White House’s proposal to deny immigrants government assistance
The proposal included programs for some types of Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, food stamps, Obamacare, and education programs. These programs benefit immigrants greatly.
9. “He's fired! He's fired!”
Amid NFL protests, and during a campaign rally, Trump asked his supporters, "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when someone disrespects our flag to say, 'get that son of a b***h off the field right now.'? Out. He's fired! He's fired!"
This shows his complete disregard for the livelihood of black football players.
