Washington, D.C. — Today, the Trump administration published a new rule that would establish fast-track deportations for immigrants throughout the country. In response, Tom Jawetz, vice president of Immigration Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
President Trump’s unprecedented expansion of expedited removal demonstrates once more his complete disregard for the rule of law. First, the rule threatens to expose immigrants throughout the country to arrest, detention, and deportation—all without due process or meaningful independent review—if they are unable to establish to federal immigration officials that they have been in the country for more than two years. It is an open invitation to unlawful racial profiling and the deprivation of liberty to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and thousands of others who may be swept up in this breathtaking policy. Furthermore, President Trump adopted the rule by bypassing completely the legal requirement to invite public comment on such a sweeping change in policy.
Transparency, predictability, fairness, and decency—compliance with the law itself—mean nothing to an administration committed to an agenda of chaos and fear. Instead of tearing up the Constitution and tearing apart families and communities, we should be focused on building an immigration system that is fair, humane, and workable—one that honors our values and restores the rule of law.
For more information or to speak to an expert, contact Julia Cusick at [email protected] or 202.495.3682.