Washington, D.C., December 13, 2023 – The Truman Center is deeply concerned by recent reports that the Biden administration is considering dramatic cuts to humanitarian protections and changes to due process in immigration laws. We firmly reject the idea that there is a tradeoff between strong national security policy, and a robust, welcoming immigration laws. America’s greatest strength is its ability to project a beacon of hope toward those who live in the shadows of authoritarianism. Compromising on these principles - even in pursuit of other worthy goals - ultimately does not advance American interests.

“We stand for strong U.S. national security, which means we are committed to upholding human rights and preserving the integrity of asylum laws,” said Truman Center Interim President and CEO Tripp Adams. “Welcoming immigration policies and strong national security are inextricably linked. Providing a haven for people fleeing persecution establishes a standard for adhering to human rights norms and signals to the world our commitment to international law. It offers marginalized populations a humane and safe refuge from extreme ideologies and an alternative to radicalization. It shows that the United States is committed to playing its part in responding to the growing number of displaced individuals around the globe. Implementing the proposed compromises would establish a hazardous precedent with enduring consequences.”

In response to President Biden’s remarks indicating a readiness for "significant compromises" in immigration policy, the Truman Center recently joined nearly 200 organizations urging the White House to reconsider this dangerous compromise. At this critical moment in America’s history, the Truman Center calls for a compassionate and principled approach to managing immigration that preserves the dignity of individuals escaping persecution and upholds America's legacy as a refuge for those in need.