Title: Protests Erupt Across US as Trump Admin Moves Forward with Asylum Changes, Critics Say Plan Will Peril Lives
Tens of thousands of Americans took to the streets in major cities across the United States on Saturday to express outrage and opposition to the Trump administration’s planned overhaul of the country’s asylum system. The planned changes, which aim to radically reduce the number of migrants seeking refuge in the US, have been heavily criticized by human rights activists, immigration advocates, and others who argue that it will put countless lives in jeopardy.
The protests came on the same day that Attorney General William Barr submitted formal guidance to the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security detailing the administration’s latest push to restrict access to the US asylum system. According to the guidance, many asylum seekers will be automatically turned back at the US-Mexico border and will not be entitled to a hearing or evaluation by immigration judges.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly painted migrant caravans seeking entry to the US as threats to national security, often framing them as primarily containing violent gang members. But advocates for the caravan refugees and human rights activists are painting a different picture: one of desperate individuals, often fleeing persecution or extreme poverty, seeking safer harbor and a better future for themselves and their families.
Protesters around the country, from college campuses to city streets, spoke out against the policy shift, holding signs bearing phrases such as “Migrate, Don’t Eliminate” and “Defend the Right to Seek Refuge.” Many expressed anguish at the prospect of individuals – including women and children, and those with uncontestable claims of credible fear – being denied any path to safety.
Randy Capps, Senior Director of Research at the Center for Migration Studies of New York, pointed to past instances of countries seeking asylum from the US under extreme duress, often faced with life-or-death consequences. “To arbitrarily slam shut the door – ignoring the humanitarian and political concerns of the world, is unconscionable. This policy is rooted in politics, not morals.”
Dr. Alixa LaBrie, with Sanctuary State, an LA-based group providing humanitarian services and support to migrants and asylees, corroborated this sentiment, calling on policymakers to consider “humanitarian, ethical and legally-grounded alternatives”. Citing the ongoing Mexican authorities’ efforts to facilitate irregular migrant flows towards their interior, she stressed “There’s no denying [those authorities] have, thus far, taken necessary action to protect migrants coming out of Central America in real danger.”
Despite an initially stern stance from border officers and officials, signs emerging in recent weeks appear promising: some authorities expressed disquiet over the impending moves, citing logistical worries; the Mexican government had just extended its program safeguarding irregular migrants in exchange for not attempting to remain, allowing them to relocate on humanitarian grounds; officials involved in the 19-migrants’ death (last September) off Panama emphasized they were now making desperate calls for better control amidst such tragedies.
One recent survey conducted by public television and radio networks here [US] suggests majority-65% support policy-making efforts to increase public acceptance for the country receiving vulnerable populations. Another ongoing case at the border may put additional pressure on current decision-making: Involvement by the Inter-American Human Rights Commission has shed considerable light on ongoing asylum claim processes, now threatening severe political repercussions if further ‘disregard [rights]’ is evident among certain factions.
Forced or threatened return, deportation for any asylum-seekers in the process – if allowed to occur could constitute international human rights abusage, potentially incite outrage globally. With tens of thousands of lives endangered amidst political and ideological stasis, it seems necessary at this point that any diplomatic measures be re-adjusted.
The ongoing immigration policies debate in the world right now, however challenging may appear, serves humanity not as a barrier of security and national integrity issues of utmost importance but is simply about human beings.
I’m a free soul now; I know people know this. It took months to get out: in those months, at minimum 2 of your peers could have passed for others of the caravan without giving away their nationality,” reflected the story of Sarahí, a Guatemalan, who now sought assistance and a place. With all the odds. Many will continue fighting fiercely till we see some solution emerges that acknowledges this collective fear for life we confront amidst an increasingly fractured public forum.
Asylum change updates from the White House indicated it will still advance – pending a Supreme Court response – with protests gaining energy as the week evolves – all eyes remain fastened on the developments – though voices from every quadrant within US society call in demand a more human-driven outlook in this struggle around safe migration.
