FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the Biden Administration announced it would formally publish its proposed rule for comment on February 23 to restrict access to the U.S. asylum system. Below is a statement from Jane Bentrott, Counsel at Justice Action Center:
“The Biden Administration’s proposed rule would send asylum seekers back to danger, separate families, and cost lives, as human rights advocates have been asserting for weeks. In addition to violating international treaties and domestic law, the proposed asylum ban is a clear regression back to cruel and unlawful Trump-era policies and capitulation to anti-immigrant politicians. It is in direct contravention of President Biden’s campaign promises to reverse Trump’s racist, xenophobic immigration policies, and give all folks seeking safety a fair shot at asylum.
“An asylum ban would not only be inhumane and unlawful, it would also be counterproductive and only cause more chaos and suffering. The Biden Administration must stop all plans to implement this shameful rule and instead engage with direct service provider organizations to build and fund welcoming centers that would uphold the legal and human right to seek asylum.”