Friend, it’s nice to meet you! I’m Heidi Altman — the new Director of Federal Advocacy at NILC. A huge part of my job is pushing the federal government to uphold the legal and human rights of immigrants and to be bold and solutions-oriented when it comes to modernizing and improving our immigration system. Unfortunately, what I am writing to you about today is an example of the Biden administration doing the exact opposite. Recently, the Biden administration expanded and finalized its egregious asylum ban from June. This change means more people will die, or face persecution and abuse, as they are denied access to safety at the U.S. border. With this decision, the United States is openly disregarding international law in the name of politics. Just days before this announcement, the United Nations Refugee Agency issued guidance reminding states that the Refugee Convention prohibits them from punishing asylum seekers for how they enter a country. By finalizing its asylum ban, the U.S. sends a message to other countries that it’s acceptable to violate our obligations under international treaties. Closing the border to asylum will never be a sustainable solution to global migration challenges. The American public overwhelmingly supports humane alternatives that the Biden administration should embrace, including: Restoring and protecting access to asylum at the border Creating and funding a system that fairly adjudicates asylum claims Investing in infrastructure to welcome people into our local communities
We urge the Biden administration to implement real, humane solutions at the border, and we need your help to amplify our message. Will you add your name to our petition urging the Biden administration to reverse course immediately?
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