“At this time when people across the United States are stepping forward to take a stand against systemic racism and police violence, it is shameful that the Trump administration is trying to institutionalize its racist immigration and asylum policies. Families belong together. We are all connected. And every family deserves a chance to live free of violence.

“America’s moms will vigorously oppose Trump’s unjust new rule and MomsRising will support challenges to it in the courts and action to block it by Congress. We are determined that our country treat every asylum-seeker with dignity, compassion and respect.”

-Statement from Donna Norton, executive vice president of MomsRising

“The cruel anti-refugee rule the Trump administration released yesterday evening is an outrageous effort to shut our country’s doors to people who are fleeing persecution, horrific violence and, in many cases, near-certain death in their own countries. The new rule seems designed to ensure that nobody from Central America will be granted asylum in the United States, despite the fact that gender-based violence and gang violence are rampant in several Central American countries. By creating insurmountable barriers to asylum, denying asylum-seekers a fair day in court, and then fast-tracking deportations, this rule will directly result in the persecution and murders of countless women, children and men.

“The Trump administration has disgraced our nation time and time again with its violations of basic human rights as it has separated asylum-seeking families, terrifying children and causing serious and lasting mental health problems for some. Trump’s relentless, punishing anti-immigrant policies, including moves to exclude immigrant families from medical, food and economic supports, are unprecedented and devastating to families in need.”

-Statement from Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, executive director and CEO of MomsRising