New Americans Campaign slams Trump’s immigration executive orders

New American citizens at swearing-in. FLICKR/Dept of Labor

SAN FRANCISCO — More than a hundred immigrant organizations that work together in the New Americans Campaign to help lawful permanent residents gain US citizenship, denounced President Donald Trump’s executive actions on immigration.

The new president’s two executive actions on immigration include building a border wall against Mexico and more drastic enforcement or crackdowns on undocumented immigrants.

Melissa Rodgers, director of the campaign and the Programs for the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, in a press statement expressed grave concern over “President Trump’s decision to make good on the xenophobic promises he made on the campaign trail.”

The campaign had hoped he would leave rhetoric behind and focus on governing, Rogers added, but his “apparent anti-immigrant vitriol from the campaign is now coming to life. These executive orders go against traditional American values of welcoming new immigrants and will do considerable harm to our country and the people who call America home.”

Rogers’s stated further: “The New Americans Campaign stands by all immigrants and remains committed – more so than ever – to helping aspiring citizens complete the naturalization process regardless of their political beliefs. Citizenship has many benefits, including protection against deportation, and is the antidote to the dangerous anti-immigrant sentiment that has taken a hold in this country. In the weeks, months and years ahead, we will continue our important work and stand with all immigrants when we see their rights – and the values of our country – threatened.”