There is indeed a humanitarian crisis at our southern border. Children continue to be separated from their parents, and to date at least seven children have died while in DHS custody or shortly after release. Men, women and children alike are held in unsafe conditions in remote facilities in the United States, denied proper healthcare and decent food. Many in immigration detention have severely limited access to attorneys who could assist with their cases. Attorney representation is a key factor in positive asylum case outcomes, and those who must present their own cases to the Immigration Judge have very little chance of success.
The U.S. government’s “metering” of asylum seekers at the border (limiting the number of persons daily who can apply for asylum), and the cruelly-named “Migrant Protection Protocols” (requiring applicants to wait in Mexico while the asylum application is adjudicated) have forced individuals to remain in squalid conditions in border cities in Mexico, where they are easy targets for cartels. Kidnappings, assaults and even murder of asylum seekers waiting in Mexico have become commonplace.[1] At the same time, advocates are being criminally prosecuted for providing humanitarian aid.[2]
If this set of circumstances moves you to action, then call, email, or write your congressional representative to take meaningful steps in carrying out legislative and oversight responsibilities.[3] Several congressional committees are vested with authority for immigration and border matters. Also, participate in or organize your own protest or community group, or share your views on social media, so your voice on these important humanitarian matters can be heard and multiplied. Moreover, you could volunteer for or financially support organizations working at the front lines to provide legal and humanitarian aid to immigrants, and to challenge these unlawful policies in federal courts:
- Kids In Need of Defense (KIND)
- The ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project
- RAICES(Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)
- Al Otro Lado
- Immigrant Defenders Law Center
- The Florence Project
- Immigrant Families Together
- Innovation Law Lab
- United We Dream
Over the years, SGG attorneys and staff have represented and helped many of asylum seekers – often on a pro bono basis. Any person can be an advocate for hope, peace and love where there has been persecution, crime and desperation.
[1] See https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-12-15/remain-in-mexico-has-a-0-01-percent-asylum-grant-rate
[2] See further information and advocacy resources, American Immigration Lawyers Association issues page: https://www.aila.org/advo-media/issues/all/featured-issue-border-processing-and-asylum
[3] https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials