In response to this situation contrived by the governors of Texas of Arizona, NIJC Executive Director Mary Meg McCarthy said:

“The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is already working closely with local partners to support asylum seekers and other immigrants who have arrived by bus from Texas. Our communities are strengthened and enriched by our immigrant neighbors, both those who have been here for years and those just arriving. Asylum seekers have the right to seek protection under the law. As a legal service provider, NIJC will partner with other legal aid groups to offer legal support. Our partners with social services expertise already are responding to individuals’ other acute needs.

“While the intent by the governor of Texas was to create chaos and resentment toward immigrants, the City of Chicago and the network of civil society partners here will respond with compassion, and legal services to ensure due process. As some officials in border states use rhetoric and aim to compound the trauma of survivors of violence, we will respond with the resilience and tenacity for which Chicagoans are known.”