John Oliver slams 'truly evil' Trump administration for exploiting the pandemic to hurt immigrants seeking asylum

The Trump administration's use of Title 42 to regulate immigration was examined Sunday on Last Week Tonight With John Oliver. Oliver claimed that immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. are being kept from hearings under the pretense of COVID-19 safety.

“It's a provision that gives the government broad power to act during a public health crisis,” explained Oliver. “And the Trump administration is currently claiming that, because of the pandemic, it gives them the authority to shut down the border to virtually all migrants.”

Oliver cited examples of immigrants being turned away or kept in detention centers. He also discussed the dangers that many of the people seeking asylum face while awaiting a hearing, including kidnapping, rape and even murder.

“The Trump administration's attack on asylum has been focused, dedicated, and deeply resourceful,” said Oliver. “And I know those aren't adjectives you're used to associating with this administration, but in this one area, they've been truly disciplined about being truly evil.”

Trump officials claim Title 42 is not directly related to immigration, and that the immigration slowdown is merely a byproduct of managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“But a Trump official saying his actions have nothing to do with immigration is about as believable as Cookie Monster saying his actions have nothing to do with cookies,” said Oliver. “Because of course they do. They're the thing you're so obsessed with it literally makes you a monster.”

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver airs Sundays at 11:00 p.m. on HBO.

Watch as Lesley Stahl looks at Trump’s healthcare plan and claims there isn’t an actual plan:

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