Refugee Congress Statement on President Biden’s CNN Town Hall Remarks
For Immediate Release: July 21, 2021
WASHINGTON--On July 21, President Biden told refugees and asylum seekers they “should not come” in a CNN Town Hall. This comes following Vice President Harris’ concerning comments and “do not come” message, delivered in Guatemala.
As an organization built and led by former refugees, asylees and other vulnerable migrants, Refugee Congress knows firsthand the importance of humane protection systems and policies that provide safety and welcome for those fleeing violence and persecution.
“People have the right to seek asylum, period. After four years of the Trump administration fostering xenophobia and using every opportunity to dismantle our protection systems, it is deeply disappointing to hear President Biden tell asylum seekers not to come,” said Nili Sarit Yossinger, Executive Director of Refugee Congress. “This rhetoric is nothing less than a continuation of the past four years and stands counter to the sentiments of communities all around the country that stand ready to welcome. This is not what was promised. This is not acceptable. And this administration must be held accountable for its words and its actions.”
President Biden’s remarks go against the legal and moral obligation this nation has of allowing those who are seeking refuge the right to claim asylum.
“President Biden’s statement on asylum seekers demonstrates his lack of understanding and lack of compassion, and it dismisses the violence and instability that force immigrants to flee,” said Nga Vương-Sandoval, Refugee Congress Delegate for Colorado. “He disregards the legal right for immigrants to apply for asylum -- instead of reversing the inhumane policy of the last administration, instead of creating pathways for those displaced. His remarks fuel xenophobia and prolong danger for immigrants seeking safety. His promise to restore welcome now represents his failure to keep his promise. His inaction will be measured in human lives lost and will have profound consequences for years to come.”
The remarks by the Biden administration continue to echo harmful and xenophobic rhetoric despite their promise to restore welcome and repair the harm caused by the Trump Administration to our asylum system.
"We, Americans, are committed to being a haven for fleeing persecution. President Biden, please, do not abandon these fundamental values that make America the most favorable country in the world to come and feel safe from persecution," said Clara Hart, Refugee Congress Honorary Delegate from South Dakota.
Refugee Congress calls on the Biden Administration to protect and support people seeking refuge and build a humane and dignified asylum system that respects and protects the rights of all.
“Seeking asylum is a human right, and denying or deterring individuals from seeking asylum is a violation of that human right. As a nation that works to promote human rights across the globe, it is unacceptable to continue deterring individuals from their right to seek safety and refuge. We must hold the Biden administration accountable and work towards building an asylum system that welcomes with dignity,” said Dagemawit Kebede, Communication and Advocacy Associate for Refugee Congress.
As we continue to work toward a better system, we join together in the #WelcomeWithDignity pledge and call on others to join us.
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Refugee Congress is a nonpartisan advocacy organization built and led by former refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable migrants to promote the well-being, integration and dignity of all vulnerable migrants. With delegates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we use our voices and experiences to inform and influence decision-makers on critical domestic and international issues that affect our communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: (202) 905-6238, media@refugeecongress.org
