With today’s announcement that the Biden Administration is extending and expanding its restrictions on access to asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)/USA has issued the following statement from its president, Kelly Ryan:

“This illegal action is the wrong answer to a complicated problem. The U.S. should not slam its door to people who need asylum with a take-a-number process. The U.S. has the means, the resources, and the ingenuity to run an effective asylum system. This rule is an end-run around asylum, it endangers lives, and it crushes hope for those who genuinely need protection.

“The reduction in border crossings since June has come at the expense of human dignity and respect for international law. Asylum seekers at our southern border are forced to endure months-long waits in perilous conditions due to the robotic approach of the CBP One gatekeeping system and increased obstacles stemming from the original Biden executive action (EA). The application of the EA has been even harsher than the President’s direction; we are aware of a tragic number of asylum seekers being turned back even as they tried to present genuine claims of credible fear that should have made them eligible for admission Sadly, in those cases, Border Patrol officials who have stated ‘There is no asylum here’ are correct.

“It’s an extremely disappointing turn for our nation, which has for so long been the world leader in offering safe haven to those enduring persecution, war or other potentially lethal violence. We once again urge the Biden Administration to make meaningful, ethical reforms to our asylum system, and to partner with Mexico and Central American countries to strengthen their systems and expand opportunities for legal immigration.

“All persons have the right to flee to seek asylum as well as to stay and flourish in their countries. It is the obligation of each country to create conditions for its citizens to remain and prosper, but asylum is necessary until all countries create the freedom to live in peace and security.  

“As Pope Francis has stated: ‘Joint efforts are needed by individual countries and the international community to ensure that all enjoy the right not to be forced to emigrate… the chance to live in peace and with dignity in one’s own country….Until this right is guaranteed – and here we are speaking of a long process – many people will still have to emigrate in order to seek a better life.” (Source: Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, September 24, 2023)