FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2018
PRESS CONTACT
Henrike Dessaules
646.459.3081
IRAP CONDEMNS TRUMP’S ANNOUNCEMENT TO RESTRICT ASYLUM SEEKERS’ RIGHT TO CLAIM ASYLUM
(New York, NY) – Yesterday, President Trump announced plans to sign an executive order that may include banning asylum seekers from being able to claim asylum in the United States if they do not cross the U.S. border at an official port of entry, even though some asylum seekers have been turned away. The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) at the Urban Justice Center strongly condemns this proposed policy, which is illegal, both under international law and the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Betsy Fisher, IRAP’s Policy Director, stated: “Under current law, and as a signatory to the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, the United States has an obligation to provide the opportunity for individuals fleeing from violence and persecution to apply for asylum at the U.S. border or from within the U.S., regardless of how and where they attempt to enter the country. This is yet another illegal attempt by the Trump Administration to vilify people fleeing from persecution and keep them out of the country for no other reason than animus and political gain.”
IRAP calls on the Administration to follow the law and allow asylum seekers to claim asylum and seek safety in the U.S.
To view the press release, click here.
International Refugee Assistance Project at the Urban Justice Center
www.facebook.com/RefugeeAssist/
###
Comments are closed.