To: Governor Kim Reynolds
Tell Gov. Branstad: Children Fleeing Violence Are Not Criminals
Recently you stated that the children fleeing violence in Central America are coming here illegally. But the fact is, these children are refugees fleeing violence and should be protected under US law.
Why is this important?
America has always been a beacon of hope for those in need of refuge. While we can’t accept everyone who wants to come to America, we must follow our laws and international standards for dealing with refugees.
In 2008, Congress and George W. Bush unanimously passed a human trafficking bill that dictates how we treat children fleeing violence. Under this bill, the US is required to make sure the best interests of children are paramount, that those in genuine need of safe haven do not get sent back to the violence they escaped, and that all those who claim to need protection have a full and fair proceeding before the sometimes life-or-death decision to deport a child back to violence is made.
Iowa and America are strong enough to deal intelligently and compassionately with kids who have fled violence and arrive seeking safety.
The last thing we need is a politician like Gov. Branstad using this humanitarian crisis as a political soap box for his re-election campaign.