Critical legislation challenges mass incarceration, racial profiling in the immigration system
Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and others joined with immigrant community members facing deportation and advocates to introduce the New Way Forward Act. The measure would roll back harmful immigration laws that have led to racial profiling and disproportionately resulted in the incarceration, deportation, and destruction of families of color and immigrant communities.
The following is a statement from Oliver Merino, Coordinator of the Immigrant Justice Network, which is a partnership of the Immigrant Defense Project, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Just Futures Law, and the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild (NIPNLG).
“The introduction of the New Way Forward Act is the fruit of years of grassroots organizing, led by community members who have courageously faced criminalization, incarceration, and deportation.
Mass incarceration and mass deportation have inflicted untold suffering on Black communities and other communities of color, while corporations profit and abuses shock the conscience. Yet across the country, there is growing recognition that an unequal system of justice that targets our immigrant neighbors and fosters racial profiling is immoral.
We thank Rep. Garcia and all the Congressional champions who are charting a new vision forward: one that upholds humanity, compassion, and equal treatment for everyone, no matter their birthplace, race, or record.”
The Immigrant Justice Network is playing a key role in the New Way Forward campaign, working closely with a broad coalition of partner organizations from across the country. Legal experts who are deeply familiar with the legislation and community leaders are available for interviews.
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