Refugee Congress Condemns Proposed Asylum Restrictions
Refugee Congress is alarmed at reports that the White House is willing to concede life-saving protections for people fleeing persecution in exchange for foreign aid funding.
Among asylum restrictions being negotiated, the Biden Administration is considering an increase in standards for initial asylum screenings, a transit ban that would reject people passing through another country en route to the US, and an expansion of an expedited removal process that would endanger families and individuals already living in the US.
"It is very concerning and shocking to witness members of Congress violating asylees' rights and attempting to gamble away their protection in order to pass a new bill that provides aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan,” said Ali Aljundi, Membership Engagement and Leadership Development Manager.
“I see with great concern the measures that are intended to be taken against people seeking asylum in the United States,” said Luis Mejia, Delegate for New York. “It is saddening to see that the government intends to take drastic actions that were taken in the Trump-era, which the current government was critical of. Any act that threatens the integrity of people is condemnable, even more so is to have the resources to help and not do it.”
“Humanity is urgently needed, and the government should not prioritize investing in war rather than investing in people who are already here and who are running away from war, hardship, and persecution in their home countries. Asylum is a human right, and we should guarantee their existence and permanency to provide a safe place for immigrants,” said Andreina Zuluaga, Delegate to New Jersey.
“We are appalled to see the Biden Administration, which ran on the promise of protecting the rights of immigrants and forcibly displaced people, turn its back on these very communities. The proposed changes not only jeopardize the well-being of those desperately seeking safety at our border, but also pose a direct threat to the fabric of our protection systems and set a dangerous precedent for the future. We vehemently oppose any proposal that damages asylum protections and demand that the White House and members of Congress forcefully reject any attempt that will further endanger the lives of people desperate for safety,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director.
