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Edward Markey: “The Trump administration is criminalizing legal immigration…”

Featuring: Edward Markey, Democratic | U.S. Senate Massachusetts

I introduced the SHIELD Act: to help ensure immigrants can obtain legal counsel

Published April 9, 2026 | Video Starts at 00:00

The Trump administration is criminalizing legal immigration, demonizing immigrants, making it harder for them and their families to navigate a broken system. Immigrants are following the rules and showing up to immigration court, but when they walk out of those hearings, they risk walking into a trap set by the Trump administration. (00:00–00:11)

CLAIM

Asserts that the Trump administration is making legal immigration more difficult and demonizing immigrants.

This is an excerpt from a raw transcript. The assertions have not been audited or verified. Tap the video to view the source footage and understand the context.

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Edward Markey

“In Massachusetts, more than half of immigrants facing deportation lack legal counsel.”
I introduced the SHIELD Act: to help ensure immigrants can obtain legal counsel | Uploaded April 9, 2026 | 00:38-00:45
“There are five year old children sitting in courtrooms by themselves who can't even read and are expected to explain themselves.”
I introduced the SHIELD Act: to help ensure immigrants can obtain legal counsel | Uploaded April 9, 2026 | 01:00-01:10
“Immigrants are following the rules and showing up to immigration court, but when they walk out of those hearings, they risk walking into a…”
I introduced the SHIELD Act: to help ensure immigrants can obtain legal counsel | Uploaded April 9, 2026 | 00:10-00:23
“Unlike in criminal court, immigrants lack the right to counsel in their immigration cases if they cannot afford one.”
I introduced the SHIELD Act: to help ensure immigrants can obtain legal counsel | Uploaded April 9, 2026 | 00:52-01:00
“That's why I introduced the SHIELD act to help ensure that immigrants can obtain legal counsel in immigration court, no matter their ability…”
I introduced the SHIELD Act: to help ensure immigrants can obtain legal counsel | Uploaded April 9, 2026 | 01:14-01:26
“A lawyer can be the difference between a mother suffering in detention or protecting her children at home.”
I introduced the SHIELD Act: to help ensure immigrants can obtain legal counsel | Uploaded April 9, 2026 | 01:26-01:34
“Our nation was built by immigrants, and I will always stand with them.”
I introduced the SHIELD Act: to help ensure immigrants can obtain legal counsel | Uploaded April 9, 2026 | 01:48-01:55