The Biden Administration Announces Rebrand of ‘Transit Ban’ Trump Policy
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday February 22, 2023
CONTACT: Jose Servin, Jose@sirenimmigrantrights.org (714) 728-2520
The Biden Administration Announces Rebrand of ‘Transit Ban’ Trump Policy
Despite promises to restore the US as a haven for asylum and refugees, Biden doubles down on endangering migrants seeking help with relaunch of Trump Policy
California —A temporary, new asylum rule announced by the Biden administration on February 21st aims to severely limit the ability of migrants to request asylum at the U.S border by first forcing them to request asylum in other countries they have traveled to. This policy is no different than the ‘transit ban’ policy first implemented by the Trump administration, a policy crafted by far-right advisor to then president Trump, Stephen Miller. With Title 42 set to expire in May, this new policy set to be in place for 2 years will only extend the harm and trauma set into place by the Trump administration to punish refugees and asylees seeking help.
Since taking office, President Biden has used Title 42 to rapidly expel migrants without giving them a chance to apply for asylum. With today’s announcement, asylum seekers now face more hurdles in the arduous journey towards relief.
The proposed new rule is an appeasement to far-right ideology. If Title 42 is being used to circumvent U.S. asylum laws and deny vulnerable individuals the opportunity to seek refuge and basic human rights, then this new ‘transit ban’ is the next step in vilifying and hurting migrant communities.
We condemn the use of vilifying language and fear mongering narratives against immigrants propelled by far-right think tanks, and now championed by the white house. The United States has an obligation under international law to protect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees. We understand that the implementation of immigration policies can be complex and challenging, but with the rising threat of climate change and the combined threat of U.S intervention contributing to the global south’s perpetual instability, it falls on the shoulders of the resource heavy US to provide relief to the communities who need it the most.
At SIREN (Services, Immigrant Rights & Education Network), we provide free legal services related to immigration, refugee, and asylum cases to protect our community from detention and deportation. We also engage in policy advocacy, community organizing and civic engagement. Every year, we assist thousands of clients with affirmative and defensive legal services, including DACA renewals and citizenship applications.
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