NILC Stands With Border Communities Against Border Militarization

WASHINGTON, D.C. —This week, human rights groups from across the nation have come together to show Congress the harm that would come from the proposed militarization of the U.S.’s southern border. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) urges Congress to listen to the concerns of the millions of people who live, work, and attend school along the border, and who would likely face infringements of their civil rights if this proposal were to become law. Here is a statement from Marielena Hincapié, NILC’s executive director

“The proposed $46 billion border ‘surge’ is overkill. This colossal waste of money will damage border communities and their economies while lining the pockets of defense contractors. It is not good policy but rather bad, shameful politics. The proposal was offered to placate those who oppose a commonsense immigration reform that includes a path to legal status and citizenship for those currently without documents.

“Families living along the southwestern border already must endure helicopters overhead, drones, and interference from tens of thousands of Border Patrol agents on a daily basis, and they have strongly objected to proposals to throw an additional $46 billion toward further militarization of their homes, neighborhoods, and communities.

“We need smart and fiscally responsible immigration policy that keeps families together and makes our borders safe from drug cartels and human traffickers without violating the human rights and civil liberties of all people.

“Congress should enact policy that makes common sense, not a policy that turns our southern border into a war zone.”

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