In the past two years, dozens of Central American asylum-seekers have been killed shortly after the U.S. deported them — so why is the administration planning to deport more?
On Christmas Eve, the White House announced raids to deport Central American children and adults who have been served final deportation orders. This plan includes children and families came to the U.S. seeking safety, yet lost their asylum cases because they were unable to find adequate legal counsel or translation services, or were otherwise not afforded their full due process rights.
The administration has heard from members of Congress and constituents alike and may be on the verge of changing course – your voice could make the difference.
Tens of thousands of people have crossed over our borders in the past two years seeking refuge from escalated violence, rape, assault, exploitation, and gang activity in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Many are unaccompanied children or at-risk mothers with children who have fled harsh and dangerous situations. Deportation could be life or death for these kids and families.
Our immigration system must be revisited holistically to ensure the safety of migrants and U.S. citizens alike, strengthen legal avenues for those seeking humanitarian protection, and lift up the American legacy of offering refuge to those most in need. Enforcement-only proposals do not answer this call, nor do they address the root causes of violence causing so many to flee their homes.
As anti-immigrant, anti-refugee rhetoric escalates, both Congress and the administration are under pressure to be tough on immigrants. Please encourage your elected officials to act with compassion, not fear.
