People migrate because they can no longer create a life in their country of origin. Violence, poverty and food insecurity, fueled by extreme climate events, cause people to flee. Stricter enforcement measures and militarization of the border will not address these problems, and instead, will lead to more human suffering.
For a full analysis of the new executive orders relating to immigration, you can read this analysis from National Immigration Law Center. Although there will be court challenges to most of these actions, they will still sow fear and chaos among migrants, which we believe is the intent.
Together with our partners, Quixote Center will redouble our efforts to address these issues. While the new Administration threatens to strand migrants in Mexico, we are working with our partners to strengthen their humanitarian response to offer welcome, inclusion and protection. While the new Administration threatens to force people to return through dangerous routes, we are working with our partners in Panama and elsewhere to provide accompaniment and safety.
Quixote Center is expanding our economic development work in Haiti, and we will continue to organize for policies toward Haiti that:
- End the scourge of weapons trafficking to the cartels and gangs that are destroying their country;
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Promote climate-smart economic development that ends poverty and despair that lead to migration and criminal activity;
- Return Haiti to democracy and fair elections.
We are restarting our work in Nicaragua, with a focus on economic development with the most vulnerable, and we will also work to prevent US sanctions that make things worse for the people of Nicaragua.
Our work represents who we are and what we stand for. We believe it has never been more urgent.
We invite you to read the statements from Quixote Center Board Members Anna Gallagher, executive director of CLINIC and Frank DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry.