Trump’s Asylum Ban – Illegal and Immoral

ST. PAUL, Minn. & WASHINGTON — The Center for Victims of Torture^TM (CVT) today released this statement in response to President Trump’s proclamation banning admission of asylum seekers into the U.S.

“In signing his Proclamation today, the president formalized his intent to deny asylum to refugees – many of whom have survived torture – if they attempt to enter the United States in between official ports of entry at our southern border. This ban is in violation of domestic and international law, and an outright rejection of the basic human right to seek refuge from violence and atrocities.

“This ban is also immoral and inhumane. Many CVT clients survived torture in their home countries and fled to the U.S. for protection and asylum. Our doors were open. Clients went on to rebuild their lives and establish thriving communities. The U.S. once was a beacon of hope for persecuted people; we are shattering that reputation for people who need us the most. We must give safe haven to those who have been tortured and traumatized.” – Curt Goering, executive director

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The Center for Victims of Torture is a nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with offices in Atlanta, GA, and Washington, D.C.; and healing initiatives in Africa and the Middle East.

Visit www.cvt.org.