Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Denounces Travel Ban Expansion and Cruel Attacks on Immigrant Communities
- Contact
-
Bayarmaa Bat-erdene bbat-erdene@advancingjustice-aajc.org
Washington, D.C. — This week, the Trump administration released plans to immediately pause all reviews of immigration benefits for nationals of the 19 countries targeted in the June 2025 travel ban following the shooting of National Guard soldiers last week — the list includes several Asian countries. The Department of Homeland Security also announced that it will re-review and re-interview individuals from these countries with existing status who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021, potentially terminating immigration benefits. The administration has also halted asylum adjudications for nationals of all countries and, according to news reports, is considering expanding the travel ban to a total of around 30 nations.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) issues the following statement in response:
“Advancing Justice – AAJC strongly condemns the violent attack in Washington, D.C. and grieves for the victims as well as their families. However, the administration’s exploitation of the tragedy to push xenophobic policies is misguided and cruel. These new policies fuel racial animus and seek to vilify many based on the alleged actions of one.
“The United States was founded on the principles of protecting and accepting immigrants seeking safety, opportunity, and liberty from oppression. The new constraints victimize immigrants going through the legal immigration process, especially endangering those seeking asylum and refuge from life-threatening conditions in their countries of origin.
“Individuals with canceled naturalization ceremonies and green card interviews have followed the rules and waited years for the immigration process to play out. Others who have already received benefits will now have to fear losing their status. The Trump administration is discarding existing procedures to punish entire communities for the actions of one individual. In addition, needlessly re-reviewing applications worsens immigration case backlog and will strain government resources.
“Advancing Justice – AAJC stands firmly against the Trump administration’s string of xenophobic actions. They have repeatedly disregarded family reunification, economic prosperity, and due process in favor of furthering divisive and hateful policies. Rather than blocking immigration benefits for entire nations and communities, the administration should rescind the travel ban, reinstate humane immigration processing, and protect asylum seekers.”
###