“While our Armed Forces are waging wars abroad, we must promote policies that support our men and women in combat instead of causing them unnecessary harm.”
WASHINGTON, D.C.- After reports indicate that the Trump Administration is ending protections against the deportation of military families, Senator Bob Menendez (DN.J.) along with more than 20 colleagues demanded that the president reverse the decision to end the program “Parole in Place” (PIP) that prevents parents, spouses or children of active military and veterans from being deported. The senators emphasized that the deportation of the spouses and relatives of the military is a threat to the military preparation and our national security, especially when they sacrifice for our country.
“Through this program, the military can fight for the United States without worrying about their spouse, their children or their parents being deported while they are serving abroad,” the Senators wrote to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan. and Secretary in Charge of Defense Mark Esper. “Ending the PIP program would not only cause personal difficulties for our military and women, but would also negatively impact them in combat. Withdrawing protections from military families is a direct threat to our military readiness and our national security. “
“While our Armed Forces are waging wars abroad, we must promote policies that support our men and women in combat instead of causing them unnecessary harm,” the Senators continued. “Ending this program contradicts American values and sends the message that we do not value the contributions of military families. The Trump Administration must provide favorable immigration solutions for military families, not separate them. “
The letter was also signed by Senators Cory Booker (DN.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Coons (D-Del. ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar ( D-Minn.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jack Reed (DR.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) , Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), And Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
The letter can be downloaded here.
