Skip to main content

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Introduces Asylum Seeker Protection Act with Fellow Texas Congresswoman

May 10, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Garcia (TX-29) joined Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) to introduce the Asylum Seeker Protection Act.

"The Migrant Protection Protocols do exactly the opposite of their name by denying the most vulnerable migrants the humanitarian assistance they need. President Trump and his Administration's "Remain in Mexico" program is another shameful attempt to keep refugees and asylum seekers in harm's way and without legal counsel," Rep. Garcia said. "We must end this inhumane policy and that is why I am proud to stand with Rep. Escobar in introducing this legislation."

Rep. Garcia continued, "All individuals seeking asylum in the United States are entitled to due process and access to an attorney. Sending asylum seekers to another country significantly impedes their opportunity to meet with counsel and obtaining relief. By passing this legislation, we can open our doors and protect those who are truly seeking refuge from oppression and violence."

The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPPs) is a Trump Administration policy that forces asylum seekers entering or seeking admission to the U.S. to wait outside of the U.S. for the duration of their immigration proceedings. The Asylum Seeker Protection Act prohibits any and all funds to become available to implement or enforce the MPPs.

The bill was introduced Friday and will be considered by the House Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks.

# # #

Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent Texas 29th Congressional district.