STATEMENT FOR RELEASE

January 06, 2023

CONTACT:
James Woo, Advancing Justice - Atlanta, jwoo@advancingjustice-atlanta.org

Michelle Boykins, Advancing Justice – AAJC, Mboykins@advancingjustice-aajc.org 

Niketa Kumar, Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus, media@advancingjustice-alc.org  

Liza Ameen, AJSOCAL, lameen@ajsocal.org 

Sangini Brahmbhatt, Advancing Justice - Chicago, sbrahmbhatt@advancingjustice-chicago.org

Atlanta, GA — The Biden Administration announced a new border package that expands the use of Title 42 to expel more people to Mexico and the use of expedited removal, as well as the intention to promulgate new regulations to recreate a Trump-era asylum ban, among other measures.  

Asian Americans Advancing Justice, an affiliation of five civil rights organizations, issues the following statement: 

“The policies laid out today fail to reflect our values of protecting those fleeing violence and persecution.  President Biden affirmed what we already know: deterrence doesn’t work, seeking asylum is a legal right, and the United States has a moral obligation to uphold this right, but instead of turning those words into actionable policies today, the administration’s plans will erect even more barriers to asylum and place more people in harm’s way.  

“Though the administration allows for a limited humanitarian parole program for Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans, the temporary programs are not, and should not be viewed as a substitute for asylum nor should they be used as a cover for restrictive policies like Title 42 and expedited removal, which send people with valid asylum claims back to danger. 

“In addition, the Department of Homeland Security’s resurrection of a Trump-era asylum ban represents an unacceptable step backward for asylum seekers. Our policies should make it easier, not harder, for people fleeing danger and death to come to this country. Such a rule is both immoral and un-American.   

“Asian Americans Advancing Justice calls on the Biden Administration to end any and all policies that endanger asylum seekers and severely limit access to asylum. We need the administration to establish pathways to safety without banning or expelling people in search of protection and to welcome asylum seekers and migrants with dignity and compassion.” 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice is a national affiliation of five leading organizations advocating for the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and other underserved communities to promote a fair and equitable society for all.