Ramirez Statement in Opposition to Republican’s Demand to Exchange Immigrant Rights for Humanitarian Funding

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement:

“The more we learn about the ongoing supplemental negotiations, the more clearly we see the short-sightedness of our Republican colleagues. Republicans' attempt to exchange Ukrainian humanitarian aid for border enforcement demonstrates just how willing they are to play games with people’s safety and well-being. I will reject any supplemental policy that trades Ukrainian lives for the lives of asylum seekers. That proposition is both morally bankrupt and grossly irresponsible. I will vote no on any supplemental that dismantles U.S. asylum policy, adds “third-country” limiting provisions or travel bans, or restricts our ability to receive people into the country on parole. 

It is possible and necessary to move forward with lifesaving and humanity-affirming policies in difficult moments. Asylum is a lifesaving program that recognizes the real dangers many people face in their home countries – conditions to which our foreign policy has historically contributed – and creates a path to safety and opportunity within our communities. Foreign humanitarian aid is a lifesaving investment that recognizes the real consequences of war and intercedes to provide our global neighbors with vital care, services, and support. Both recognize our interconnectedness as a global community and are fundamental parts of our values as a nation.

Conditioning humanitarian aid on policies that endanger the lives of asylum seekers is a cruel choice intended to score political points. But when we choose to score political points in moments that require moral clarity and unwavering commitment to our values, we all lose. We can and must embrace humane policies that uphold our shared humanity and foster long-lasting peace, both domestically and abroad.”