As an organization founded by and for immigrant women, we express our continued anger at the criminalization, dehumanization and disregard of the lives and safety of immigrants and asylum seekers by prominent candidates and elected officials in the United States. The blatant lies being told about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohioare just one example in a cruel game in which immigrants and asylum seekers, most of whom do not have the right to vote, are treated as if they are the ones to blame for the problems in this country, despite the fact that many hold essential caregiving and service jobs and contribute to billions of dollars in taxes.
We are tired of both major political parties competing to determine who will be more cruel toward people fleeing violence, persecution and climate disasters. Among the most recent attacks is the new policy called the the Final Rulereleased on September 30th by the Biden administration. This, along with the October 4th announcement of the resignation from the special program initiated in 2022 for individuals from Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, reflects a decision driven by political calculations rather than a migration policy guided by the well-being of migrants or the country itself.
In June of this year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) put into effect a temporary rule suspending the eligibility of most individuals crossing the border to apply for asylum unless they had a pre-scheduled appointment at an official port of entry. This week, the Biden administration announced a rule that would make that new policy permanent. The Final Rule severely limits asylum eligibility for those who enter unlawfully or without authorization. It also enhances the government’s ability to swiftly enforce consequences for unauthorized crossings, tightens standards for certain protection claims, and accelerates the deportation process for anyone who does not qualify for protection under the new very strict and arcane guidelines.
For this reason, MUA has expressed its support for our allies in CGRS and other immigrant rights organizations against the Biden Administration to challenge this shutdown rule, which revives aspects of the unsuccessful Trump-era border policies that were justly overturned by the courts. We demand the repeal of this inhumane border policy, as it violates human rights and established law. We will continue to advocate for a just immigration system that prioritizes the safety of asylum seekers and upholds human rights.
“It is upsetting that a country that promises to protect and respect human rights is the first to turn its back and send our people back to their deaths,” said Juana Flores, Executive Director of Mujeres Unidas y Activas. “Mujeres Unidas y Activas strongly decries this and other inhumane proposals affecting our brothers and sisters who are fleeing persecution in their countries, trying to save their lives and those of their families. We demand welcoming processes and solidarity for the families who are fleeing in search of safety and dignity. We will continue to fight to keep the right to asylum in place”