Denver, CO – The undersigned organizations stand united in strong opposition to President Biden’s recent executive order that severely limits access to asylum and aims to effectively close the border to individuals and families seeking safety in the US.
The executive order is a dangerous and inhumane policy that fails to honor the United States’ legal obligations to those seeking asylum. This rule imposes undue hardship on individuals fleeing violence and persecution, seeking safety for themselves and their families. It also represents a stark betrayal from President Biden, who promised to “reverse Trump’s detrimental asylum policies,” and create a humane and dignified process at the border. Instead of fulfilling this commitment, the administration is now embracing punitive measures that will cause unnecessary suffering and deny asylum to those in desperate need.
Specifically, the executive order does the following:
- Prevents people from reaching safety by authorizing the President to suspend or impose restrictions on entry when he finds it would be detrimental to the United States;
- Sends individuals and families back to the same violence they are fleeing by allowing US border officials to stop conducting credible fear interviews for asylum claims;
- Punishes people for seeking protection by creating a possible minimum five-year bar to reentry and potential criminal prosecution, after deportation or removal.
“We stand with newcomers who seek a chance to live in safety and peace,” said Gladis Ibarra, Co-Executive Director of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC). “These restrictive measures will negatively impact human beings who are in desperate need of shelter and safety. The United States has a moral and legal obligation to protect those fleeing danger and to create a fair and dignified process for asylum seekers.”
The administration’s decision to bypass the participatory process of notice-and-comment rulemaking is deeply troubling. By not opening up a public comment period, the administration has denied the American people the opportunity to voice their opinions and provide input on this rash and cruel proposal. This lack of transparency and disregard for public engagement undermines the democratic process and silences the voices of those who would be most affected by these harsh measures.
“Everyone has the right to be safe and seek safety. This administration has the resources to create an efficient, fair, and humane reception system, instead of investing in further militarization and enforcement that harms individuals and entire communities,” shared Dusti Gurule, President & CEO of the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR) and COLOR Action Fund. “We call on our elected leaders to join us in refusing to dehumanize community members or use the suffering of thousands of people for political gain.”
We urge the United States government to:
- Respect the human right to migrate and seek safety.
- Support and strengthen existing systems to receive and integrate people seeking safety.
- End the militarization of the border and address the root causes of migration.
- End the detention and deportation of immigrants and establish clear and efficient paths to citizenship for new neighbors and longtime immigrant community members
“Our deadly immigration policies are causing human suffering,” added Berenice Aguirre, Deputy Director at Movimiento Poder. “Everyone deserves a society free from the fear of deportation, family separation, surveillance, and all systems of oppression. We should be invested in building strong communities by keeping families together, not tearing them apart.”
We will continue to advocate for humane immigration policies that uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their origin. We call on the American people and our elected leaders to stand with us in support of a compassionate and just immigration system.
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC)
CIRC Action Fund
Movimiento Poder
Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR) and COLOR Action Fund
Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI)
ISAAC of Northern Colorado
Together Colorado