U.S COMMITTEE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS
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USCRI Calls on Congress to Prioritize Human Rights Amidst Budgetary Negotiations

December 6, 2023

Current negotiations surrounding President Biden’s proposed budget have included suggested rollbacks of critical asylum protections, such as raising the credible fear standard, increasing immigration detention, and removing the long-standing, Congressionally-created parole authority.

Negotiations over the Fiscal Year 2024 federal budget in September included similar anti-asylum proposals that would endanger families and children fleeing violence and persecution. Harmful proposals were again floated in late October and early November as budget talks recommenced in light of the 45-day continuing resolution’s pending expiration on November 17. The latest bipartisan collaboration on proposals to chip away at asylum protections are particularly concerning and contrary to fundamental American values.

USCRI unequivocally opposes any proposal that would compromise the capacity of the asylum system to offer protection for those fleeing persecution and seeking safety.

“The right to seek asylum reflects the US government’s commitment to uphold the dignity and human rights of individuals facing persecution, ensuring that they have the opportunity to seek safety and rebuild their lives in a place free from the threats they have fled,” USCRI President and CEO Eskinder Negash said. “The reason we have asylum laws should not be overlooked in budgetary negotiations.”

USCRI believes that the right to seek asylum is fundamental and urges Congress to prioritize human rights by rejecting current and future attempts to tie any funding package to anti-asylum proposals. Instead, USCRI calls on Congress to work towards real solutions outside of the expedited timeframes inherent to continued funding negotiations.

 

USCRI, founded in 1911, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization committed to working on behalf of refugees and immigrants and their transition to a dignified life.

 For press inquiries, please contact: [email protected]. 

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