Dignity not denial of asylum rights

The Biden Administration recently announced a proposed rule that would make many individuals and families seeking protection ineligible for asylum in the United States.  

We at El Refugio believe that all people have inherent dignity and the fundamental right to seek protection. People cross borders for freedom from persecution, a safe community, and a living wage. The proposed policy change seeks to deny immigrants the right to seek asylum and is another attempt to criminalize migration and ramp up immigration detention. 

As an organization that envisions a world without detention, we denounce this proposed rule. It violates established U.S. law and represents a significant setback of the Biden administration's commitment to restore the asylum process. Implementing this change will deny protection to countless individuals and families who make the long and perilous journey to seek safety. 

Thousands of people seek protection in the United States every year, often fleeing violence and political persecution. Immigrants leave their home countries because they fear for their lives. Many have been tortured and jailed and had loved ones disappear. They cross several borders in search of a safe haven. This rule change would send survivors of torture and violence back to the place they are fleeing. 

The proposed rule is inhumane and fails to address the root causes of migration. It violates the international treaty to protect those who have been harmed and cross borders to safeguard their own lives and the lives of their loved ones. 

The federal government has opened the proposed rule for comments through March 27, 2023. Please comment!  This proposed rule is NOT the solution. There are humane solutions.