Attorney General James’ Statement in Response to President Trump’s Proclamation Banning Issuance of New Green Cards

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James tonight released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation that halts the issuance of green cards to immigrants for at least 60 days, citing the economic fallout of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the nation’s increase in unemployment under his Administration as an excuse:

“This proclamation is antithetical to everything we believe as Americans and only uses immigrants as scapegoats. Immigrants are on the front lines of the fight to battle the coronavirus, and are providing the essential services that are keeping our nation and our economy moving forward. Immigrants provide us with health care, care for our elderly, prepare and deliver our food, clean our hospitals and public spaces, and take on so many other essential roles in our society. We will not allow President Trump to usurp Congress’s authority by presidential proclamation. We stand ready to take legal action.”