The border has been functionally closed for anyone seeking asylum or trying to immigrate to the United States since last month, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But last night, President Trump tweeted that he still planned to issue an Executive Order to “temporarily suspend immigration” to the United States.
It took many Department of Homeland staff members by surprise. There have been strict border restrictions in place since March. Almost all asylum-seekers are being turned back at the border and the processing of work visas has ground to a halt.
Pedro Rios, the director of U.S.-Mexico Border Program at the American Friends Service Committee, says that further restrictions or stigma of immigrants on both sides of the border is the opposite of what’s needed right now.
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“Instead of looking at ways of creating greater restrictions, there should be greater collaboration between both countries to ensure the point of contact, meaning the border areas, aren’t necessarily seen as a place of conflict, but rather a place of opportunity, of how to ensure people are getting the equipment they need to handle healthcare needs,” Rios told KPBS.
A draft of the executive order released on Tuesday contains broad cut-outs for immigrant workers deemed vital, like farm workers and medical professionals. On Tuesday, Trump said the executive order will last 60 days, and apply to those in the process of applying for a green card.
Rios says this continued rhetoric from the Oval Office hurts a community that’s struggling during an unprecedented economic collapse.
“The tweet itself does carry the political weight of placing a target on migrants and on border communities, and that has a real impact on how people are able to live their lives, especially during a time of crisis. They’ve lost their jobs, and yet they don’t feel the support in any way shape or form from the administration,” he said.
