(LOS ANGELES, CA – 5/12/2023) – The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today strongly condemned the Biden administration’s implementation of an inhumane and unlawful asylum ban.
Despite making campaign promises to overturn inhumane policies and stop forced deportations that violate due process, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed on May 10 that the Biden administration has decided to replace the controversial, Trump-era Title 42 pandemic policy with one that effectively limits or disqualifies individuals from seeking asylum.
The new policy funnels all asylum seekers at the U.S. border through the flawed and obstructive CBP One process, causing limited access and unreasonable delays. As a result, many individuals will remain in vulnerable and dangerous situations. For those that attempt to use other means to request asylum at the border, the new rule would effectively disqualify migrants from being eligible for asylum if they did not first attempt to seek refuge in countries they passed through on their way to the border.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“The Biden administration’s implementation of this inhumane and unlawful asylum ban is a betrayal of our nation’s values and is an affront to the basic human rights of those seeking refuge from persecution and danger. This policy ignores the reality that many refugees face during their journey to safety and will only serve to further harm the most vulnerable members of our global community.
“We call on the Biden administration to keep its campaign promises and uphold the fundamental values of justice, fairness, and compassion that are the cornerstone of our democracy. We also urge our elected representatives and leaders to take a stand against this cruel and unjust policy and to work towards a more humane and just immigration system that upholds the dignity and rights of all people.”
CAIR-CA stands in solidarity with all those who are impacted by this unjust policy and will continue to work tirelessly to advocate for the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of immigration status.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, eelkadi@cair.com, (714) 851-4851