Brief #50—Immigration
Policy Summary
In accordance with the travel ban covered in Brief 46, Trump claims he wants to “ensure that we are not admitting into our country the very threats our soldiers are fighting overseas.” Trump finds it absurd that the US offers refuge and asylum when “no other country” does it. In June 2018, Trump announced that it would order the US Immigration Courts to stop granting asylum to victims of domestic abuse and gang violence who come to the US seeking safety. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions backed this by saying survivors of “private crimes” were not eligible for asylum in the US.
There are over 100,000 people in line to be processed for resettlement in the US during this fiscal year. Many of them have already made it through the intense vetting process and have waited years only to be told they must endure another waiting period. Now, they must wait again. Upon leaving their home because of discrimination, a woman and her husband and 6 kids had fled Sudan to Jordan only to be rejected by the US. She went on to tell reporters, “to be discriminated by a nation we see our future in, is so disheartening.”
Analysis
The US has been a symbol of hope, equality and a light at the end of a tunnel since its founding; a nation built on immigrants through and through. The American Dream is well-known around the world for individuals who want to start a new life, grow their business, give their children a better life, and especially those in danger or escaping their homeland in search of refuge. Individuals such as the woman from Sudan who fled her homeland due to violent prejudices only to face more discrimination from the one nation she had laid all her hope in prove how strong the notion of the American Dream is. She endured so much in the hopes that an end to her struggles would be found in the sanctuary that is the US and to turn away individuals like her would be to bury the American Dream as it has become known to the world and discount how far our immigrant ancestors have come.
Resistance Resources
- The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law: a nonpartisan law and policy institute that works to defend and reform – as necessary – the US systems of democracy and justice, focusing on upholding the Constitution and US laws while maintaining national security.
- Stay up to date with the National Immigration Forum who advocates for the value of immigrants and immigration to the US and promotes responsible immigration policies and addresses those that hinder the success of immigrants.
- The National Immigration Law Center: an organization that exclusively dedicates itself to defending and furthering the rights of low income immigrants and strives to educate decision makers on the impacts and effects of their policies on this overlooked part of the population.
This Brief was authored by Kathryn Baron. For inquiries, suggestions or comments email kathryn@usresistnews.org.
Photo by Jose Fontano