CAPAC Statement on Trump’s Actions Targeting Immigrants and Legal Permanent Residents

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued the following statement today in response to the Trump administration’s actions targeting immigrants and legal permanent residents:



“We are witnessing an unprecedented assault on our constitutional rights and the rule of law. The Trump administration is attempting to deport legal permanent residents without due process, eliminate birthright citizenship, and defy judicial decisions it disagrees with. The danger of such actions—and the threat they pose to our democracy—cannot be overstated.



“What separates the United States from our adversaries is that people in this country are entitled to certain fundamental rights under the Constitution, including the right to due process. However, the Trump administration is taking a page straight from the authoritarian playbook to scapegoat immigrant communities and erode the very principles that underpin our democracy. This administration is even invoking the same law used to forcefully incarcerate Japanese Americans during WWII to circumvent immigration law under the guise of national security.



“President Trump’s actions are ripping families apart and sending a chilling message that no one is safe—not even legal permanent residents who pay their taxes, contribute to the economy, and have called this country home for years. For our community that is majority foreign-born, we know that this will inevitably put a target on the backs of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.



“Every American should be deeply concerned. If we don’t speak up now, this administration will continue to trample over our constitutional rights and target individuals it disagrees with. Then, only one question will remain: Who will be next?



“We must take a stand to ensure we remain a nation of laws, not one ruled by a king.”