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Immigrant Advocates Say Trump Is Using Coronavirus To Further Restrict Immigration
In this Dec. 10, 2015, file photo, pedestrians crossing from Mexico into the United States at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry wait in line in San Diego. The Trump administration's new rules could deny green cards to immigrants if they use Medicaid, food stamps, housing vouchers and other forms of public assistance. (Denis Poroy/AP)
President Trump said Tuesday that he plans to sign an executive order temporarily suspending the issuance of green cards for people seeking legal residency.
Trump tweeted Monday night that he would “temporarily suspend immigration,” citing a need to protect American workers in light of the coronavirus crisis. However, he said in a White House briefing Tuesday afternoon that the forthcoming order would not affect people entering on a temporary basis, such as guest workers.
Trump said the order would be in effect for 60 days but could be extended and that “any extension or modification will be evaluated by economic conditions at the time.”
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Local immigrant advocates said they believe Trump is using the COVID-19 crisis as cover for further restricting immigration to the U.S.
“What’s happening with this pandemic is that this administration has been able to exploit this public health crisis to be able to really curtail the rights of immigrants," said Farida Chehata, managing attorney for immigrant rights with the Orange County office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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