Hi ACLU Supporter –

For decades, our country has provided shelter for people fleeing persecution. But the Trump administration is trying to override our asylum laws by making it impossible for many people to safely claim asylum at the southern border. It's time to remind Trump:

ASYLUM IS AMERICAN

This week we're joining a coalition of immigrant and human rights organizations for a week of action to protect asylum rights. To join us, watch this new explainer video on what's happening to our asylum system, and share it with the hashtag #SaveAsylum.

One of Trump's most destructive policies is the forced return to Mexico program, which has trapped tens of thousands of people in dangerous cartel-controlled cities in northern Mexico while they wait for court dates inside the U.S.

Under long-standing law and policy, asylum seekers would be pursuing their applications in the U.S. But due to this administration's new policies, tens of thousands of asylum seekers are living in muddy tent camps and warehouses, exposed to life-threatening illnesses and in constant fear of cartels who prey upon them for kidnapping, extortion, and trafficking.

There's a lot to unpack, ACLU Supporter, so we put together a quick explainer on the state of asylum at the southern border. Watch, share, and stay informed on this humanitarian crisis that's already spinning out of control.

ACLU Supporter, as an ACLU supporter, you know that asylum is American. We can count on you to help us protect asylum seekers. The first step is to educate ourselves, and spread the word.

Thanks for defending asylum rights,

Omar Jadwat
Director of the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project