WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Biden administration finalized its rule that would render asylum seekers broadly ineligible for protection in the United States, with limited exceptions.
In addition, the House may vote soon on a border security bill, and Title 42 is set to end tomorrow.
“First, the administration must seek, and Congress must fund, urgently needed resources for orderly, humane processing at the border,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum. “Together with security, we must honor our commitment to U.S. and international law and preserve essential protections for people fleeing persecution. Restrictions such as those in today’s rule likely will block asylum seekers with valid claims who are turning to the U.S. for protection.
“The bill the House is considering would severely undermine humanitarian protections, constrict CBP’s ability to set up orderly processing at the southern border and be onerous to employers, among other concerns. Proposals to continue simply expelling asylum seekers also are not the answer.
“Instead, Republicans and Democrats must work together to improve border and immigration policies realistically and pragmatically. Americans still want border and immigration solutions and to welcome people seeking refuge. Congress has a responsibility to lead.
“We urge everyone responding to challenges at the border to remember and prioritize migrants’ inherent human dignity, and demonstrate compassion.”
Related Forum Resources
- Border Resources Directory
- Title 42 explainer
- Alternative Pathways for Arrivals at the Border: A Holistic Response to Increasing Migration in the Western Hemisphere
- U.S. asylum process fact sheet
- Mexico’s Asylum System: Good in Theory, Insufficient in Practice