Official Statement From Mormon Women for Ethical Government on New Asylum Rule and in Defense of Fair and Just Policy Solutions

July 16, 2019

Yesterday the Trump administration published a new rule designed to end most asylum protections for migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. The administration claims this action is necessary in order to stop the flow of migrants, but the change certainly violates the spirit of asylum and is likely illegal under both U.S. law and international conventions. 

Mormon Women for Ethical Government recognizes that our nation is suffering real consequences as a result of poor public policy surrounding human migration and immigration. However, we feel a moral imperative to sound a watchword following the intensification of defamatory language and uptick in extra-legal policies produced by the President and members of his administration. We acknowledge the complex nature of our immigration laws and have long advocated for a bipartisan approach that is compassionate, grounded in facts, and meets the needs of our economy and families. We will continue to actively pursue public policy to this end. We agree that immigration policy must be reformed, but it is essential that Congress and our citizens not confuse prejudice for policy.

Threats to the viability of the census, ICE raids propagandized to instill fear, ill-advised changes to asylum rules, prejudicial comments about opposing lawmakers, and squalid camps filled with suffering children are not a viable immigration policy. They must never be confused with or allowed to become our national immigration policy. We must see them for what they are: tools used to cull political favor among allies and create fear and suffering for everyone else.

No elected official can be allowed to exist beyond the legal and moral standards of our nation. Any immigration reform must meet legal standards and be accomplished through recognized legislative processes. As citizens, we must retain both our commitment to the ideal that all men and women are equal in the sight of God, and our determination to make peace rather than weaponize fear. We call upon all reasonable elected representatives, regardless of their party, to stand up against prejudice and fear in defense of fair and just policy solutions. And we call upon compassionate citizens everywhere to demand that they do so. 

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Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring women of faith to be ambassadors of peace who transcend partisanship and courageously advocate for ethical government. MWEG is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We do, however, fully sustain the leaders and doctrines of the Church.