The Biden administration's decision to end Title 42 on May 11th has resulted in the creation of regional processing centers for migrants in Central and South America. These centers will be used to assess whether individuals are eligible to enter the United States through various lawful pathways such as refugee resettlement, humanitarian parole programs, family reunification, or other means.

But this project is seen by some as a way to discourage people from seeking asylum in the United States, which is not in line with the 1980 Refugee Act passed by the U.S. Congress. The Refugee Act grants anyone seeking asylum the right to approach the U.S. border in search of safety.

My name is Edafe Okporo, and in October 2016, a few days before the election of Donald Trump, I arrived at the United States border seeking asylum. I went to an immigration officer and told them that my life would be in danger if I returned to my home country, Nigeria. They allowed me to see an asylum officer and seek asylum. In 2017, a judge granted me asylum. The Biden administration is trying to take away the opportunity I had when I arrived under the Obama administration in 2016.

The U.S. has a long history of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, and the 1980 Refugee Act is evidence of its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. Establishing regional processing centers is seen as a move against this commitment, which has led to a wave of fear and uncertainty among asylum seekers with the impending end of Title 42.

We are urging President Biden to continue providing access to asylum seekers and to reconsider the decision to establish regional processing centers and to not bend under pressure to implement harsher anti-immigration tactics.

Asylum seekers deserve a fair chance to present their case for protection, regardless of their country of origin. The United States must continue to be a safe and accessible place for those seeking asylum, and the government should take immediate action to protect the U.S. asylum system and ensure they are given a fair chance to seek protection in the country.
 

Image Credit: A man holds up a child who peeks into U.S. territory from Tijuana. Photo by Chris Stone

 

A letter to the president of the United States of America, Joseph. R. Biden urging him to provide Safe and Accessible Border for Asylum Seekers

Dear President Biden,

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the future of the U.S. asylum system. The recent decision to establish regional processing centers throughout Central and South America is a concerning move, as it makes it harder for people to seek asylum in the United States. 

Your administration's decision is stocking fear and uncertainty for people coming to our borders to seek protection. The United States has a long history of welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. The 1980 Refugee Act explicitly grants permission to anyone seeking asylum to approach our border. This law is a testament to our values as a nation and our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

We urge you to continue providing access to asylum seekers, no matter where they come from. The United States should remain a beacon of hope and refuge for those fleeing persecution, violence, and human rights abuses.

We also urge you to reconsider the decision to establish regional processing centers. This project is a clear attempt to prevent people seeking asylum in our country and goes against our values as a nation.

Asylum seekers should be given a fair chance to present their case for protection, regardless of their country of origin. The United States must remain a safe and accessible place for those seeking asylum.

We urge you to take immediate action to protect the U.S. asylum system and ensure that asylum seekers are given a fair chance to seek protection in our country.

Sincerely,

We the people!