USA: Trump administration is 'weaponising COVID-19 to shut its borders to people seeking safety'

Reports suggest that Trump administration may indefinitely expand restrictions on right to seek asylum and humanitarian protections at border

‘Racism, xenophobia, and discrimination won't make people in [the US] safe from the COVID-19 pandemic’ - Charanya Krishnaswami

Responding to reports that the Trump administration may indefinitely expand restrictions on the right to seek asylum and humanitarian protections at the border, Charanya Krishnaswami, Advocacy Director for the Americas at Amnesty International, said:

"This ban was never about the pandemic, and it was never about public health. As today’s news makes clear, the Trump administration is weaponising COVID-19 to achieve the policy objective it’s sought from day one: shutting the border to people seeking safety.

"Every person has the right to seek safety, especially during a pandemic. Attempts by this administration to dismantle that basic right won't fix the administration’s failures in responding to the pandemic early and efficiently.

"The Trump administration must end this racist and hateful policy, which has already sent thousands of people into danger and attacked the fundamental right to seek safety. Racism, xenophobia, and discrimination won't make people in this country safe from the COVID-19 pandemic. Policies that embrace the humanity and fundamental human rights of all will."