Earthjustice Joins Latino and Civil Rights Groups to Back Anti-Border Wall Bill

The Build Bridges Not Walls Act would bar border wall construction

Contacts

Keith Rushing, Earthjustice, Lead Advocacy Press Secretary, (202) 797-5236; (757) 897-2147

Latino civil rights, social justice and environmental groups are backing a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday that would render the President’s Executive Order to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border ineffective.

The Build Bridges Not Walls Act prohibits implementation of President Donald Trump’s executive order, signed last week, which calls for construction of the border wall.

“The cost of President Trump’s border wall is unconscionable, extending well beyond the hefty $12 to $25 billion price tag,” said Earthjustice Legislative Counsel Raul Garcia.

“The real costs will be at the expense of border and immigrant communities, including the healthy and vibrant environment they deserve. It’s justified by fiction, relying on the notion that our neighbors have somehow become our enemies and that our border communities must become militarized zones. The Build Bridges Not Walls Act by Rep. Michelle Lujan-Grisham stands up for these communities and their environment. It makes sure that the ill-conceived idea of a border wall driven by the fear peddlers in the White House never becomes a reality.”

The League of United Latino American Citizens, Latinos for a Secure Retirement, Earthjustice, Defenders of Wildlife, the Sierra Club, GreenLatinos are among the groups that have endorsed the bill.

Nearly 60 members of the House have signed a Dear Colleague letter, urging fellow representatives in Congress to oppose construction of a border wall.

Build Bridges Not Walls

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