
Freedom is a fundamental human right for all. But right now, an average of 50,000 people are held in detention centers every day.1 Despite the claims of anti-immigrant politicians and agencies, detention does nothing2 for U.S. security3 and, on top of the vast human rights abuses occurring in detention facilities, it is a waste of at least $1.8 billion annually.4 These funds could be better spent on investing in immigrant communities including legal counsel, housing, health, transportation, education, and other programs to support immigrant families. Through the #FreedomForAll campaign, we urge you to recognize that people who migrate have the right to seek protection and regularize their immigration status, without being detained or locked up.
References:
- “Immigration Detention 101.” Detention Watch Network. October 28, 2021.
- Helbling, Mark. Daniel Meierrieks. “Terrorism and Migration: An Overview.” Cambridge University Press. December 17, 2020.
- Flagg, Anna. “Is There a Connection Between Undocumented Immigrants and Crime.” The Marshall Project. May 13, 2019.
- “FY 2022 Budget in Brief.” Department of Homeland Security.