Meeting With Senator Cantwell’s Office

Seattle Immigrant Rights Action Group is hosting a meeting with Senator Cantwell’s office, regarding the human rights crisis at the southern border and for profit detention of immigrants.

We are concerned about the terrible conditions experienced by recent migrants from Central America at the U.S. border. Congress must act quickly, using its powers of oversight, legislation and funding to address the present humanitarian crisis.

The administration has intentionally created harsh living conditions for migrants as a deterrent to further migration. It is not working, and would be completely inappropriate in any case. Congress must have a clear understanding of the government’s actions and legal reasoning.
Address the following with highest priority:

Senators must vote No on appropriations bills that do not address these critical needs.

Asylum seekers are not criminals, but the administration’s policies and actions are in violation of U.S. federal law. Congress must conduct public hearings to hold the administration accountable for the deplorable conditions at the camps.

Provide dignified shelter and care to migrants who are seeking asylum in the U. S. Fund professional workers at the border to provide child welfare, medical, legal and language assistance. The recent deaths of children at CBP detention camps is unacceptable.

Expedite the reunification of all children who were separated from their families.

Freeze ICE / CPB funding at 2016 levels. Strictly prohibit further diversion of funds from other agencies.

Senators must personally visit the CBP detention centers and report their findings to constituents.

All migrants and asylum seekers must be treated with decency and fairness.

Congress should allocate funding to establish regional asylee processing centers in the United States to address the current backlog of people waiting for hearings.

Pass the “Shut down child prison camps act” (HR 1069, S 397)

Pass the “Families, Not Facilities Act” (HR 2217, S 388)

Ban for-profit detention centers
Operation of immigrant detention centers by private contractors has resulted in inhumane conditions and does not save money, as recent studies have shown. The corporate incentives for profit directly drive the harsh, inhumane conditions.

Enact legislation to phase out and eliminate the for-profit detention centers.

Fund community-based services as alternatives to detention.

Ensure that children are released to family members, not to foster care.

Address the root cause of mass migration from Central America
The economic and social safety conditions in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador are driving many people, especially women and children, to seek refuge in the United States.

Develop a detailed understanding of the root causes of mass migration from Central America and pass legislation to provide meaningful and effective solutions.

Participating Organizations:

Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Action Group (SIRAG), Alx Dark, chair

ACLU Burien People Power, Sarah Moore and Nancy Kick, co-chairs

Burien/White Center ICE Rapid Response/Grupo Contra La Migra