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Tag: statement

"Inhumane and Xenophobic": IINE Statement on the Trump Administration's Travel Ban

“Inhumane and Xenophobic”: IINE Statement on the Trump Administration’s Travel Ban

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Advocacy, Afghan Refugees, Blog, Haitian Immigrants, Press Releases/Statements.

The Trump administration has instituted an inhumane and xenophobic travel ban, dividing families, endangering the lives of those seeking safety in the U.S., and forsaking our nation’s humanitarian legacy. The President claims he selected certain nations around the world because they have a “large-scale presence of terrorists,” when in reality, the individuals seeking to leave these nations are doing so to save their lives and their families. 

The International Institute of New England condemns the actions of this administration as it continues to dismantle legal pathways to immigration and villainize innocent individuals and families seeking safety and stability.  

More than 90% of IINE’s current clients come from nations included in the travel ban, particularly Haiti and Afghanistan. These immigrants have endured rigorous vetting and screening, long journeys, and unimaginable trauma to find peace and safety in the U.S. In turning our backs on vulnerable individuals, we cause irreparable human harm and hurt U.S. communities – who rely heavily on their talent and economic and cultural contributions.  

Talent like Efdjeen, who was forced to leave her home in Haiti, where she was completing her residency after graduating from medical school. Efdjeen always aspired to become a doctor, and last year, she graduated from IINE’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, bringing her one step closer to her goal.  

The ban also means separating families, who have already spent years apart and want nothing more than to be reunited. 

Many from the countries banned are our friends, neighbors, and in the case of Afghanistan, brothers and sisters in arms. When the Taliban took control of Kabul, Sabira and her husband had to flee because of his past work supporting the U.S. Armed Forces; now, they are in Massachusetts alone, dreaming of the day when they will see their families again.  

The devastation the travel ban will cause is immense. We hope the ban will be successfully challenged in court, and that the President’s unilateral decision-making will spur further action around the need for comprehensive immigration reform. 

IINE Statement on the Trump Administration’s Termination of TPS for Afghanistan

IINE Statement on the Trump Administration’s Termination of TPS for Afghanistan

Written by Danielle Gauthier on . Posted in Advocacy, Afghan Refugees, Blog, Press Releases/Statements.

The International Institute of New England condemns the federal administration’s most recent cruelty in terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans. The administration claims that conditions in Afghanistan have improved, but the Taliban’s continued control of the nation contradicts this assessment. Human rights violations have only worsened, with women and girls at heightened risk of facing gender-based violence, in addition to thousands of disappearances, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial executions, attacks on freedom of expression, and the near collapse of their health system. Sending people who have fought alongside us, sought safety in the U.S., and would likely face retribution upon return to a country in crisis would be a complete reversal of our nation’s long-held values of refuge and humanitarian relief.  

IINE has a long history of welcoming and supporting Afghans from the early 2000’s to today. After the fall of Kabul, our communities stepped up and opened our doors because it was the right thing to do. Thousands of Afghans left their homes behind, and in some cases their families, to ensure their safety, including our allies who aided American troops during the war. These brave and resilient individuals have become our neighbors, colleagues, and friends – like Nazia. An English teacher in Afghanistan, Nazia fled after receiving death threats from the Taliban for daring to educate women and girls. Today, Nazia continues to teach English in the Boston-area and hopes to pursue her masters. These are the kind of people we would be turning our backs on if the administration terminates TPS on July 12.  

We must stand by our commitment to welcoming those in need, and we can do so. By passing the Afghan Adjustment Act (AAA), Congress could allow Afghans to apply for green cards and set them on a pathway to becoming permanent citizens. It would mean that thousands of Afghans will be able to reunite with their families, and together, remain safely in the U.S. – a country they have come to call home.