This was announced by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, a United Nations agency. statement The agency on Monday criticized the Biden-Harris administration's decision to extend so-called asylum restrictions, saying the administration “drastically limits access to protection for people fleeing conflict, persecution and violence, leaving many refugee and asylum seekers without viable means of survival, putting them at grave risk.” A choice for safety. ”
The agency expressed “deep concern” that “all people seeking asylum must have access to security and the opportunity to have their claims considered individually and fairly before deportation or deportation.” No,” he insisted.
“We have not abolished the asylum system.”
In June, President Joe Biden signed Proclamation 10773. 89 FR 48487 – Securing bordersan executive order that purported to authorize the federal government to close the southern border if the number of migrant encounters reaches 2,500 per day for seven consecutive days. Restrictions could be lifted if the weekly average number drops to 1,500 per day.
However, a number of exceptions were made, including for unaccompanied minors. Individuals from countries that do not bring back deportees. People experiencing a medical emergency, a “severe form” of human trafficking, or a “credible fear.” Additionally, the so-called closure does not affect foreign nationals who have made appointments to apply for asylum at a port of entry through Customs and Border Protection's CBP One app.
The government recently extended these measures, adding that the average number of daily encounters must remain below 1,500 people for 28 days before they are lifted. Furthermore, as part of the recent extension, the government has announced that all children will now be included in that total. Previously, only children from Mexico were counted.
Although the government's intrusive restrictions may only affect foreign nationals attempting to illegally cross borders between designated ports of entry, UNHCR has concluded that the rules are too strict and do not comply with international law. They claim that there is even a possibility of a violation.
“Restricting or blocking such access is a violation of international refugee law and the long-standing humanitarian principles of the United States,” the agency said in a statement.
“UNHCR remains committed to working with the United States to support much-needed reforms to strengthen the fairness, efficiency, and capacity of the asylum and border management system.” “The United States has a long history of providing shelter, and it is critical that we continue to uphold our tradition as a beacon of protection for those in need. That is why UNHCR urges the United States to reconsider these measures. “People who seek protection are unfairly refused or put at risk of harm.” ”
The American Immigration Lawyers Association similarly argued that the government's new rules are effectively anti-asylum. Associated Press Reported.
AILA President Kelly Stamp said: “It is essential that our country has safe, orderly and efficient procedures at our borders to ensure the fair and humane treatment of asylum seekers. The consequences of denying asylum to a person may include: It's literally a matter of life or death. ”
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas rejected those claims, pointing to exceptions built into the restrictions, according to the Associated Press.
“We have not discontinued the asylum system,” Mayorkas said.
Do you like Blaze News? Avoid censorship and sign up for our newsletter to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox. Please register here!
