Migrant Stories: Lisandro tells members of Congress how Title 42 is a racist policy

On Thursday, October 21, 2021, Lisandro*, one of the migrant organizers for the #SaveAsylum Coalition, spoke to members of congress and reporters on the Hill about the racist implications of Title 42 in a press briefing organized by NETWORK lobby. He spoke on a panel alongside prominent advocates in the field such as: Diana Kearney, Oxfam; Guerline Jozef, Haitian Bridge Alliance; Breanne Palmer, #UndocuBlackNetwork; Kennji Kizuka, Human Rights First; and KBI’s Director of Education and Advocacy, Pedro De Velasco. Here is a transcript of his testimonio.

*Real names have been removed to preserve anonymity

Good morning, my name is Lisandro. I am originally from the state of Guerrero. I fled from my home due to the insecurity that exists today. Sadly, my uncle was killed. I had to flee with my wife and two children because they threatened to take our lives as well.

I arrived in Nogales, Sonora about four months ago, asking for asylum. Because the truth is, that cartel that threatened us is not just any cartel. They are very powerful. And I had to confront a situation that you can’t even imagine.

And I headed towards the port of entry, when a group of men intersected us, threatened us, and told us that we didn’t have the right to approach the port of entry- otherwise it would turn out very badly for us. They belonged to the mafia. This happened at the Mariposa port of entry.

This past month, September 25th, we held a peaceful march, where all the families waiting for asylum in Nogales, Sonora participated. That day, myself along with 25 other families presented ourselves at the port of entry to ask for asylum. But unfortunately, the immigration officials did not explain what was happening. We brought proof of vaccination. And that we tested negative for Covid-19.

What they did instead was to shut down the entire port of entry. And they didn’t listen to us. On the contrary, they sent in the National Guard to evacuate us from the port of entry. That we didn’t have the right to be there.

And how is it possible that President Biden has authorized in the month of November to reopen the port of entry for tourists. And what about us? It is very unfair for the U.S. government to do this to us.

We ask, as all the families, in the most respectful way, to President Biden to restore asylum.  There are many children suffering. Entire families that need protection. In our home countries, we are not safe. And neither are we [safe] staying here.

President Biden, follow through on your promises that you made during your presidential campaign; where you said that you would help all immigrant families that are seeking asylum at any border or port of entry.

Read more about #SaveAsylum’s Restore Protections for Holy Families: Prophetic Action #SaveAsylum march (September 25th, 2021)

Read Human Rights First newly released report, “Illegal and Inhumane”: Biden Administration Continues Embrace of Trump Title 42 Policy as Attacks on People Seeking Refuge Mount

Read Oxfam’s “What you need to know about the obscure policy preventing people from seeking asylum at the US southern border”