For Immediate ReleaseContact: Tiffany Wangtwang@ywca.org

Statement by YWCA USA CEO Alejandra Y. Castillo:

The decision by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to remove pathways to asylum for women, families and all survivors fleeing domestic abuse and gang violence is abhorrent and wrong. It essentially issues a death sentence to tens of thousands of people, and turns back the clock on hard-won protections for immigrant survivors. This move is yet another demonstration of how little this administration cares about the lives of women and survivors of violence.The administration’s aim to reduce immigration at any cost, no matter the human consequences, is cruelty personified and goes against all the values we should strive for as a country. It is reflective of an administration that prioritizes xenophobia, misogyny, bigotry, and the silencing of women and survivors over justice, human rights, and compassion.As the largest network of domestic violence service providers in the country, YWCA knows all too well the challenges and trauma survivors face. All survivors deserve safety, support, and justice. This administration might not stand with survivors, but YWCA does, and we will continue to offer support and resources, call for justice, and work to end gender-based violence.

About YWCA USA

YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. We are one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the nation, serving over 2 million women, girls, and their families.YWCA has been at the forefront of the most pressing social movements for 160 years — from voting rights to civil rights, from affordable housing to pay equity, from violence prevention to health care reform. Today, we combine programming and advocacy in order to generate institutional change in three key areas: racial justice and civil rights, empowerment and economic advancement of women and girls, and health and safety of women and girls. Learn more: www.ywca.org.

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