US Congress members refuse to vote for anti-immigrant policies

Progressives in Congress have advocated for comprehensive immigration policy for decades, aiming to uphold US and international law.

Congressional Progressive Caucus / https://progressives.house.gov/

Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC); Ilhan Omar, CPC Deputy Chair; and Greg Casar, CPC Whip, issued a statement following an internal Congressional Progressive Caucus member survey, in which the vast majority of the 103 members responded.

The statement conveyed that a majority of respondents expressed opposition to a supplemental budget agreement that would yield to Republican demands, potentially causing further harm to the immigration system.

The concerns included undermining asylum protection, reinstating Trump-era transit bans, and significantly restricting the administration’s parole authorities.

The remaining members indicated they were undecided, with virtually no members actively supporting the proposal.

“As Congress returns this week to consider the President’s emergency supplemental funding request for international aid and increased border funding, Republicans are still trying to force their anti-immigrant policies into the legislation. Progressives are clear: we will not play this game,” they said in the statement.

“House Republicans are trying the same strategy that continues to fail: hold Congress hostage to force their cruel, extreme, and unworkable agenda because they can’t pass it through the regular legislative process.

This is the strategy that brought us to the brink of economic default and two government shutdowns. Proposed policies would destroy our U.S. asylum system and endanger immigrant lives while making the situation at the border worse, not better.”

Progressives in Congress have advocated for comprehensive immigration policy for decades, aiming to uphold U.S. and international law while respecting the humanity and dignity of those seeking refuge in the country, they said.

They have successfully passed common-sense legislation with bipartisan support. Members of the Progressive Caucus are willing to collaborate with any colleague interested in promoting well-considered, holistic reforms that create a roadmap to citizenship, enhance the efficiency of the asylum system, and more.

“Progressives reject Republicans’ cynical attempt to imperil the lives of people seeking safety to pass this supplemental funding bill. We call on our Senate Democratic colleagues to stand up for immigrants and the allied communities who sent us to Congress and show Republican extremism for what it is by moving forward an aid package without new anti-immigrant policies,” they added in the statement.