Durbin Statement On President Biden's Immigration Executive Actions

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), incoming Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and author of the Dream Act, today released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s executive actions on immigration, which include forming a task force to locate and reunify families separated by the Trump Administration; addressing irregular migration across the Southern border and restoring a humane refugee and asylum system; and restoring our legal immigration system and promoting integration of new Americans:

“The Trump Administration’s ‘zero-tolerance’ family separation policy is a moral stain on our nation.  Simply put, thousands of babies, infants, and children were forcibly removed from their parents to create a stark warning to any others seeking refuge in our country.  And years later, many families remain separated. 

“I am pleased to see the Biden-Harris Administration is addressing the terrible harm the previous Administration inflicted on these families and has made clear that reuniting these families is a top priority.

“President Biden’s actions today are centered on the basic premise that our country is safer, stronger, and more prosperous with a fair and humane immigration system.  As incoming Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I look forward to working with President Biden and Vice President Harris.”

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