ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) today issued this statement as newly-sworn President Donald Trump issued numerous anti-immigration executive orders that will create barriers and harms to people fleeing persecution, including torture.

President Trump took swift action after his inauguration to issue dozens of executive orders. Some seek to narrow, or close off entirely, certain immigration pathways to the United States. Others impact U.S. foreign assistance programs in ways that are yet to be determined. The former include suspending both the U.S. refugee admissions program and asylum processing at the U.S. Southern border and ending various humanitarian parole programs. The administration intends to increase immigration enforcement and detention and bring back its previous “Migration Protection Protocols,” (known as “Remain in Mexico”). The president has invoked extraordinary authorities in order to accomplish certain of these objectives by declaring a national emergency at the U.S. Southern border, and will involve the U.S. military in immigration enforcement efforts in various ways.

“Today’s executive orders demonize a host of vulnerable communities and will trap many people fleeing persecution, including some torture survivors, in extremely dangerous circumstances,” said Scott Roehm, CVT director of global policy and advocacy. “It’s the wrong approach in every sense. Notwithstanding all that they have suffered, every day we see refugees, asylees and asylum seekers progress along their healing journey, adjust to their new lives, and make the United States more prosperous and more vibrant. This country should be welcoming more people searching for safety, not fewer.”

For 40 years, CVT has extended care to refugees and asylum seekers who survived torture and other gross human rights violations in their home countries. Many are advocates and activists who were targeted for advancing quintessential democratic ideals. Our clients in the United States have come through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program or have sought asylum in the United States and are in the process of having their cases adjudicated. They tell us of the horror of the abuses and persecution they suffered and that caused them to make the difficult decision to flee their homes, only to face dangerous and traumatizing experiences on their journey to safer shores. The United States should live up to its role as a global leader and welcome them.

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The Center for Victims of Torture is a nonprofit organization with offices in Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Uganda, United States and additional project sites around the world. Visit www.cvt.org