Rep. Juan Vargas Reacts to Trump Administration’s Third Country Rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 16, 2019) – Rep. Juan Vargas issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s new rule to deny asylum protections for those who transit through a third country to seek asylum in the United States:
“The Trump administration’s latest move will effectively ban most asylum seekers – grossly betraying the founding principles of our great nation. Like all of the President’s immigration policies thus far, this new rule will be detrimental for children and families fleeing from violence. Not only will it further endanger their lives, but it will add additional strains to the already fragile system.
“Seeking asylum is not a crime. The administration must stop treating those seeking protections as criminals. Congress will continue fighting President Trump’s inhumane policies and stand with those pleading for safety.”
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fourth term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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