Press Release

WASHINGTON – A coalition of 16 advocacy groups and the more than 100 organizations that comprise the #WelcomeWithDignity for asylum rights, including the Justice Action Center and FWD.us, has just launched a new website and campaign, NoAsylumBan.US, to engage the public in adding their voices to urge President Biden and his Administration not to implement their proposed asylum ban. The proposed ban would hurt countless individuals and families, and leave people seeking asylum with virtually no legal pathways to reach the U.S. safely – and it would almost certainly remain in place for years or even decades to come.

President Biden proposed the harmful ban last week with the announcement of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), opening a period of just 30 days in which the public can voice their opposition to the ban and make clear that it will force vulnerable individuals to make dangerous choices – including crossing between ports of entry – which will only bring about more tragedy and chaos. 

Members of the public who want to add their voice to oppose this dangerous proposed asylum ban can add a public comment via NoAsylumBan.US, and urge the Administration instead to pursue real legal pathways that would allow individuals and families to seek safety while relieving pressure off the border. 

“President Biden doesn’t have to go forward with the asylum ban, and we are mobilizing the public to speak out against this terrible misstep,” said #WelcomeWithDignity interim campaign manager Bilal Askaryar. “The proposed asylum ban does nothing to alleviate the humanitarian need at the border, will be a boon for cartels, and will earn the President no points with anti-immigrant xenophobes. Our member organizations have supporters in every state and municipality across the nation and we will make sure the White House hears their calls to reverse course and restore our asylum system.”   

“President Biden’s proposed asylum ban is a terrible mistake that will hurt individuals and families across the globe – it represents a jarring departure from decades of post-World War II policy, would deny the majority of people seeking safety even a chance to apply for asylum, and spur chaos at the border, said Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us. “We urge President Biden to reverse course and honor his promise to build a fair and humane immigration system, and to protect and pursue safe and working legal pathways that will enable people seeking safety to do so – ensuring America remains a beacon of hope and freedom to the world.”

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The #WelcomeWithDignity Campaign for asylum rights is composed of more than 100 organizations committed to transforming the way the United States receives and protects people forced to flee their homes to ensure they are treated humanely and fairly. To learn more and join our campaign visit: welcomewithdignity.org