Photo by Larry Hanelin.
As the U.S. policy of Remain in Mexico expands and thousands of asylum seekers are forced to stay in Mexico while their U.S. cases are processed, we ask that you join us in condemning this cruel, illegal, and impractical policy. Currently, more than 18,000 people—many families and children among them—have been returned to Mexico, and are subject to grave dangers, homelessness, unemployment, and possible deportation to the countries they fled as they wait for periods that are likely to last months or even years. In addition to all this, they will be far from legal resources and the U.S.-based family members and communities who are ready to receive them.
Please contact your Congressional representatives to voice your concern and opposition to Remain in Mexico (misleadingly called the Migrant Protection Protocol in government documents). Our partners at the Ignatian Solidarity Network have scripted the following letter, referencing the bill that would defund Remain in Mexico: https://ignatiansolidarity.net/action-alerts/revoke-remain-in-mexico/. Thank you for your advocacy!
The Remain in Mexico policy is fundamentally antithetical to American identity. Refugees have formed a significant portion of our immigrant population since the Colonial Era. Even if we do not ultimately grant asylum to asylum seekers, we have a duty to our heritage to at least evaluate their requests.