CWA Statement on Government's Planned Immigration Raids

We have seen too much terror this Christmas season.  It is disappointing that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security added to this sense of insecurity announcing plans to begin deportation raids targeting Central American refugees. While it is alleged that only individuals with final deportation orders are targeted, immigration advocates have documented serious abuses of due process, resulting in removal orders against persons, including thousands of children, who have legitimate asylum claims. 

No workers in the United States should depart for work in the morning fearing that they will not make it home to their families at the end of the day. No worker should be silenced from speaking up about workplace hazards or sexual harassment or wage theft because he or she fears being rounded up in a deportation raid.

Central American immigrants face serious and growing threats and violence in their countries of origin, due in part to social upheaval resulting from America's failed trade policies. These immigrants should be given humanitarian protection rather than face detention and deportation. 

CWA condemns the fear, division and xenophobia that are driving the policies of exclusion and making us weak. We demand that the Administration not give in to the messengers of hatred divisiveness by victimizing refugees who are already victims of violence and terror.