Congressional Black Caucus Statement on U.S. Suspending Immigrant Visa Processing

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

"The CBC strongly condemns the Trump Administration's decision to indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries - including many majority-Black countries such as Haiti and Somalia - that have time and again been subjected to racist policies and attacks from the Administration.

"The Trump Administration's rationale for suspending visa processing rests in part on the patently false claim that immigrants who make America their home are a strain on social safety net programs. There is simply no evidence to support this claim. Immigrant communities contribute immensely to the vibrancy and economic growth of our country, despite President Trump's pattern of demonizing them and stoking hatred against them. In fact, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have worked to implement historic cuts to programs like SNAP and Medicaid, making clear that their concern is not about resources, but about fomenting hate.

"We are calling on the Administration to immediately reverse this decision, which could have immense and devastating effects on our economy and reputation around the globe."