Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement denouncing Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to drastically overhaul the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) interpretation of United States asylum laws by making it impossible for victims of domestic or gang violence to seek protection from persecution in the United States.
“Victims of gang related violence and survivors of domestic violence whose home governments have failed to protect them have long turned towards the United States for refuge. Our immigration courts have ruled that survivors of these violent crimes have the right to asylum under our immigration laws. Attorney General Sessions has overturned important precedent that closes the door on thousands of vulnerable people threatened by violence. Attorney General Sessions continues to betray every American value of compassion, justice, and respect for the rule of law. This is not who America is.”
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