Use your voice to tell the U.S. government that you oppose the newest asylum ban.
On July 15, the administration announced the most restrictive asylum ban yet, which bars anyone who approaches our southern border from receiving asylum, with few exceptions. The sweeping measure slams our doors to individuals, families, and unaccompanied children who are seeking safety, including survivors of gender-based violence.
The ban is yet another attack on immigrant survivors, further eroding legal protections and deepening the climate of fear that makes victims and witnesses afraid to report abuse to law enforcement.
One week later, a District Court judge in San Francisco issued an order forcing the asylum ban to a temporary halt nationwide. While we are relieved at the temporary block, the administration has appealed the order, and there will be another hearing in the coming weeks to consider the full merits of the asylum ban.
As we await the hearings, we must act to ensure that asylum protections are not stripped away from those leaving everything behind in search of safety. You can use your voice to tell the U.S. government that you oppose the new asylum ban.
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Before the rule can be finalized, the government is required to review each comment submitted, so your voice counts. Please make your voice heard by Thursday August 15, 2019 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Below is a sample comment. NOTE: it is critical that you DO NOT simply copy and paste the model comment into the form you submit. The government will only review and respond to unique comments. Please reformulate the text, adding your own voice, professional expertise, and personal experiences or those of people you know.
SUBMIT COMMENT NOW
MODEL COMMENT
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I am filing these comments to voice my opposition to the new asylum eligibility rule published on July 16, 2019 by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security. The rule (EOIR Docket No. 19-0504) significantly curtails asylum eligibility for individuals who ask for protection at the southern border, with minimal exceptions. I oppose this rule for several reasons:
[Insert your own points as to why you oppose the rule. For example:
- First, asylum seekers should not be categorically banned from receiving asylum simply because of where they arrive. There should be a fair, case-by-case process for determining whether individuals qualify for asylum under the law.
- Second, just because asylum seekers may have traveled through Mexico does not mean that they could have applied for asylum or been able to live safely there.
- Third, this rule goes against international law and guidance on the treatment of refugees and how to adjudicate their claims for asylum.
- And finally, rules should not be put into effect without meaningful opportunity for the public to issue comments. ]
Asylum is a form of protection created for people who have left everything behind and need our help to get to safety. I oppose this new rule and stand with survivors of gender-based violence, unaccompanied children, families, and those who need protection.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Please submit your comments by Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
