Hold Congress to a higher standard on asylum policy

August 2, 2024

Background: On June 3, the Biden administration issued an executive order that put further restrictions on asylum. Now, when border encounters reach a weekly average of 2,500 per day, access to asylum is suspended until average encounters drop below 1,500. While active, asylum seekers will not be screened for protection unless they pass the “shout test” and proactively demonstrate fear of removal, and even then, their fears may be ignored.  

The Biden administration had already limited the number of people who could officially apply for asylum through the CBP One app, which itself presents obstacles to accessibility. As Election Day approaches and Congress negotiates annual spending bills, please take this opportunity to tell your members of Congress to protect asylum and urge them to rebuild an immigration system that respects the dignity and humanity of all people on the move.  

Faith reflection: “If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever.” Jeremiah 7:5-7 (NIV)

Action: Ask your Members of Congress to prioritize funding for crucial immigration programs in the federal budget and boldly advocate for more just immigration policies.  

Photo above: The sun shining through the tall, rusting border wall from Agua Prieta, Mexico into Douglas, Arizona. MCC Photo/Galen Fitzkee