Issued March 29, 2018
WASHINGTON, D.C.—SEIU International Executive Vice President and iAmerica Action President Rocio Sáenz issued the following statement regarding the Trump administration’s announcement it will end Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians, some of whom have lived legally in the U.S. since 1991:
“We resist the politics of hate and fear that is being used to attack immigrant families once again. The decision to rescind DED for Liberians is yet another harmful action by a President who has repeatedly made his racist and unwelcoming feelings about immigrants clear through his policies and words.
“By the end of next year, nearly a million people will have been told to leave the country, despite living, working, contributing to their communities and raising children here lawfully. This administration must stop tearing families apart with no regard for how it will impact our communities or economy. Today’s announcement is yet another sign that the president is more concerned with his divisive agenda than improving the lives of the people that call this country home.
“Liberians are the latest community to be ravaged by President’s lack of compassion and common sense. No one benefits from expelling long standing residents who have paid substantial fees, gone through continuous vetting, and made significant contributions to our communities and economy in the decades since they were first granted lawful status.
“SEIU members, both Liberian and not, will continue to stick together in our union and make our voices heard until Congress acts. They must pass legislation that restores the promise that if you work hard and play by the rules, you will have the opportunity to build a better future for your family.”