AS/COA Statement on U.S. Zero-Tolerance Immigration Policy

Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA) strongly disagrees with the zero-tolerance immigration policy as currently being implemented. We firmly believe it is inhumane and not reflective of the spirit and the culture of the United States to separate children from their parents and to treat refugees and asylum-seekers as criminals. This is a policy that contradicts the core of who we are and violates the standards that we have always believed should govern this country. We believe the zero-tolerance policy violates basic human rights, contradicts the principles of decency, and departs from a long-stated tradition of respecting the dignity of all in the United States.

This policy does not reflect the values for which Americas Society/Council of the Americas was founded and has worked tirelessly to promote for the past 54 years: to broaden cultural ties and to enhance understanding and engagement in the Americas. We believe the future of the Americas lies in a strong relationship between the countries and their people.

Download a PDF of the statement.

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