Last night, President Biden delivered the final State of the Union address of his current term. In the speech, he urged the U.S. to respond to different geopolitical crises, including a call for renewed U.S. support of Ukraine, Israel, and the Palestinian people. Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA) affirms the President’s call for humanitarian assistance to those affected by violence around the world.  

In his address, the President also recognized the need to ensure that U.S. borders are safe and secure, but JRS/USA rejects his call for passage of the Senate Border Bill. This bill would further limit access to asylum, a legal right that has already been significantly restricted in this and previous administrations. Instead, we urge his Administration to provide legal pathways that guarantee the safety of those fleeing violence and persecution who have arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border.  We also reject any language that dehumanizes immigrants, as no human being is illegal.   

“President Biden is right to urge Congress to take action,” said Joan Rosenhauer, President of JRS/USA. “For too long, Congress has failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform to bring our current system to the 21st century. Yet, the migration and displacement realities of today require a compassionate and solutions-based response that allows for efficient and fair processing of asylum requests, addresses the asylum backlog, and treats those arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border with dignity. We urge the Biden Administration to work with Congress to robustly fund critical programs at the border and in the interior that reflect our nation’s value of providing welcome to those fleeing conflict and persecution.”