GAPA Strongly Condemns Anti-Immigrant Executive Orders

San Francisco, CA, February 01, 2017 --(PR.com)-- The Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) strongly condemns the anti-immigrant and xenophobic Executive Orders issued last week by President Trump. The orders (1) revive the “Secure Communities” immigration enforcement program, which was previously criticized for promoting racial profiling by local law enforcement officials who were required to enforce federal immigration laws, (2) implement policies that may result in the deportation of tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants who pose no threat to the American people, and (3) strip federal funding from “sanctuary cities,” that protect countless immigrants and their families by refusing to prosecute residents for violations of federal immigration laws.

These policies encourage racial and religious profiling and almost exclusively target communities of color. There are 1.3 million undocumented Asian Pacific Americans, including those brought to the United States as children, whose families will be directly affected by these orders. These Executive Orders that breed distrust of immigrants will only serve to make our communities less safe. Just this past weekend, we saw the chaos at the airports across the country created by these Executive Orders.

GAPA stands in solidarity with other human rights and social justice groups around the country, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in working to combat these illegal and unconstitutional Executive Orders. These actions by the Trump Administration do not align with the values of GAPA and are based solely on fear and ignorance. Immigrant communities, their families, and our families contribute greatly to our nation, regardless of origin or status. GAPA is a proud part of the history of celebrating the contributions of Queer Asian and Pacific Islanders. Our LGBT community is stronger because of the many cultures and faiths that make up our community. America is stronger because of our diversity. We must continue to stand firm and united in the fight for equality and justice. We encourage our members and all members of a growing coalition of human rights, social justice, and civic organizations to join us to stand up for the rights of our communities.

#NoBanNoWall #LoveTrumpsHate

In solidarity,
GAPA Organization
www.gapa.org