The County Welfare Directors Association (CWDA) of California released the following statement from Executive Director Cathy Senderling-McDonald today after President Biden signed an executive order that takes the first steps toward reversing a Trump administration rule that can result in immigrants who receive aid from certain public programs being denied entry to the country and/or being barred from obtaining lawful permanent resident status (i.e., a green card):

“Despite the harsh policy’s implementation being delayed numerous times by the courts, county human services agencies saw firsthand that this rule’s mere existence accomplished much of what the previous administration intended it to do: strike fear in immigrant families and deter them from seeking the support they need to be healthy, well-fed, and sheltered. As we work on the front lines every day connecting Californians with vital services that enable them to thrive, we welcome policies that enable immigrant families to come out of the shadows and access nutrition, health care, and housing without fear, so they may thrive in our communities. 

“In 2019, I visited the U.S./Mexico border to see firsthand how our nation’s fragmented immigration laws and byzantine immigration system keep immigrant and refugee families in legal limbo. The conditions they face upon arrival have been well-documented. President Biden’s commitment to a more compassionate immigration system and addressing the root causes of poverty and violence that send refugees to our border is encouraging and we stand among many organizations across the country ready to help ensure a more humane immigration system.”