In response to the introduction of H.R. 3524, the Northern Triangle and Border Stabilization Act, Vicki Gass, Oxfam America Senior Policy Advisor for Central America and Mexico, made the following statement:
“Oxfam is pleased to see the introduction of the Northern Triangle and Border Stabilization Act, an important step in addressing forced migration from Central America in a comprehensive, meaningful way. We applaud Rep. Zoe Lofgren and the 27 co-sponsors of the bill for their serious, thoughtful efforts to address one of the most pressing issues of our time, and urge Congress to quickly pass the bill.
While President Trump has shortsightedly cut US foreign aid to the region – a devastating and destabilizing move that will contribute to the exodus – this bill will address the structural issues at the root cause of migration from Central America, including efforts to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, confront violence, strengthen democratic governance and respect for human rights, and address the structural causes of poverty and inequality.
The bill also covers border migration and processing issues, including ending the inhumane policy of metering (which restricts asylum requests to a limited number of people per day), ending the Migrant Protection Protocol (“Remain in Mexico”) policy, and prohibiting family separation – all cruel, heartless, and anti-immigrant policies that betray our history.
Oxfam has been working in the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras for decades. We know that addressing challenging issues such as inequality and forced migration requires thoughtful, comprehensive policies and planning – something this bill does. We thank the co-sponsors of the bill for their leadership and urge all Members of Congress to act on this important opportunity to address one of the most serious, urgent humanitarian issues at the moment.”
