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Akron, Ohio - Asian Services In Action (ASIA),
Inc. is deeply concerned with President Trump’s appointment of
Kenneth Cuccinelli as the acting director of U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS). Cuccinelli’s appointment is yet
another threat to our country’s immigration system and could change
the fundamental premises of immigration laws as currently exist in
this country.
Cuccinelli is a dangerous anti-immigrant hard-liner. During his time
as a Virginia state senator and as attorney general, Cuccinelli has
sought to repeal birthright citizenship, force employees to speak
English in the workplace and prohibit undocumented immigrants from
attending universities. USCIS is now on the verge of finalizing a
proposal that restricts legal immigrants who use public benefits
from receiving green cards or legal permanent residency.
“As the leading health and social services organization for the
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the state of
Ohio, our priority is to protect the rights of the communities we
serve,” said Elaine Tso, CEO of ASIA, Inc. “Families should not be
separated or be forced to choose between being with loved ones or
meeting their basic needs. This ideology is the opposite of American
values of freedom and opportunity for all.”
The position opened after President Trump forced the resignation of
Lee Francis Cissna. His resignation happened in the wake of a
proposal which reverses decade-long priority for immigrants to
sponsor their family members, instead prioritizing high-skilled
workers based on age, education, skills, and English-proficiency.
Cuccinelli’s lack of experience will leave millions of families and
individuals at risk. Under the proposal it is estimated that more
than 4 million people waiting in family and employment-based green
card backlogs would have their immigration applications eliminated.
As a result, if individuals do not meet certain requirements under
the new point-based system, they will have to leave the country.
ASIA, Inc. works toward human rights for all. Anti-immigrant
rhetoric exacerbates hatred that too often ends in persecution,
racism and even violence. We call on all Americans, including our
leaders, to raise their voices for the dignity and safety for all
persons everywhere. |
