2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Tom Steyer released his immigration policy platform on Friday and explicitly outlined a policy related to climate change.

Writing that he will “reimagine the asylum and refugee system,” Styer’s plan includes supporting immigrants who are relocating due to adverse effects of climate change.

The billionaire candidate has focused much of his campaign on addressing climate change, and the new immigration plan underscores it as a pillar to his policy decisions. Steyer’s plan specifically calls to “recognize the devastating impacts of climate change and the need to prepare for increased global migration” through implementing disaster relief programs for communities especially vulnerable to climate change.

This includes providing funds, equipment, and expert assistance to help immediately mitigate damage done by disasters.

Steyer’s proposal also states that “he will establish new categories to ensure persons fleeing from climate related disasters and conflicts are eligible for legal entry to the United States.” This initiative falls within his the mission of his broader Justice-Centered Climate Plan, Steyer's plan to prioritize climate change as a national emergency and introduce sustainable legislation.

According to ABC, Steyer said that “We need to see what we can do to help people in place,” but that simultaneously “we understand this is going to put massive pressure on our immigration systems.”

The 2020 candidate also reiterated his goal to reinstate DACA and eliminate the Muslim travel ban, the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), and create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. He also wants to reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to enforce “a zero tolderance policy for hateful acts.”







