Jayapal Statement on Supreme Court Decision in Biden v. Texas Allowing Biden Administration to End Remain in Mexico

U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court decision in Biden v. Texas, which ruled that the Biden administration is allowed to terminate Remain in Mexico, a Trump-era policy that endangered the lives of immigrants rightfully seeking asylum:

"Today's decision vindicates immigrants, immigrants' rights movement, and the Biden administration in the fight to implement sensible immigration policy grounded in our laws, humanity and compassion. Remain in Mexico was a racist, xenophobic, and cruel policy that had disastrous consequences for so many Black and Brown people. People who are fleeing violence and persecution to seek asylum --as they are entitled to by law --should not be forced to remain in places that have been deemed dangerous and unsafe while they wait for their day in court.

"As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I joined several of my colleagues in investigating this inhumane policy that virtually eliminated the already limited due process protections asylum seekers had, and was one of the first members of Congress to observe court proceedings on this cruel policy. As an immigrant and one of just two dozen naturalized citizens serving in Congress, I was outraged by the horrific treatment we imposed on people who were just seeking safety and better lives for themselves and their families, as we should all be able to do. Today, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed that a new administration should not be bound to the policies and decisions made by the administration that came before it.

"As we celebrate this hard-won outcome for countless people seeking safety, let's remember that one good decision does not negate the rest of this court's rulings. As we keep fighting for immigrants' rights, we will also keep fighting to hold the Supreme Court accountable to ensure that our most basic fundamental rights as people are never infringed upon."