Elizabeth Warren called for a repeal of the statute that criminalizes illegal entry into the U.S.
The presidential candidate’s stance came after fellow 2020 Democratic competitor Julián Castro said he also supported the measure.
“I agree with Secretary Castro,” Warren told the Huffington Post in a Tuesday statement. “We should not be criminalizing mamas and babies trying to flee violence at home or trying to build a better future. We must pass comprehensive immigration reform that is in line with our values, creates a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants including our DREAMers, and protects our borders.”
Castro said in April in a Medium post that the U.S. should overhaul its immigration system, which would include making illegal immigration a civil rather than criminal offense.
“The truth is, immigrants seeking refuge in our country aren’t a threat to national security. Migration shouldn’t be a criminal justice issue. It’s time to end this draconian policy and return to treating immigration as a civil — not a criminal — issue,” Castro said.
Unauthorized entry into the U.S. has been a crime since the early 20th century.
Warren is polling at 12% in the Democratic presidential primary race, according to RealClearPolitics.
