THE WHITE HOUSE’S POTENTIAL OVERHAUL OF AMERICAN’S ASYLUM SYSTEM: A LAST-DITCH EFFORT TO SECURE REPUBLICAN SUPPORT FOR THE SPENDING BILL

> The White House’s consideration of significant changes to America’s Asylum System and nationwide expansion of authority to expeditiously remove people from the interior represents a dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy. The proposed changes are being viewed as a last-gasp effort to garner Republican support for a necessary supplemental spending bill. However, the potential consequences of these changes raise serious concerns and should be carefully considered.

One major consequence of these proposed changes is the potential violation of international human rights enshrined in international law, and any attempt to drastically alter the asylum system could be seen as violation of these standards. The expansion of authority to expedite removals from the interior could also lead to issues of due process and the risk of departing individuals who genuinely fear persecution in their home countries.

Furthermore, the changes could lead to an increase in the number of individuals being deported, including those who have established lives in the United States. This could have devasting consequences for families and communities, tearing apart the fabric of society and causing immense human suffering. Additionally, a rapid expansion of deportations could strain resources and infrastructure, leading to logistic challenges and potential human rights abuses in detention facilities.

In addition the proposed changes could engender a climate of fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities. The threat of expedited removals and significant changes to the asylum system could deter individuals from seeking protection and accessing necessary services. This could lead to further marginalization and vulnerability for already vulnerable population.

From a political perspective, the proposed changes could further polarize an already deeply divided issue. While the White House may hope to gain Republican support for Supplemental Spending Bill, the potential impact of these changes on immigrant communities and human rights could result in backlash and further alienation.

In conclusion, the consequences of the proposed changes to America’s Asylum System and the nationwide expansion of authority to expeditiously remove people from the interior are deeply concerning. The potential violations of international human rights standards, the impact on families and communities, the climate of fear among immigrant populations, and the potential for further political polarization all points to the need for careful consideration and deliberation. The implications of these changes go beyond political expediency and require a thoughtful and through examination of their impact on vulnerable populations and the foundational principles of international human rights.

Immigration Reform is Hard. But it’s Not Dead.

Democrats blocked from including immigration reform in the party-line spending bill. The Senate parliamentarian on Sunday rejected Democrats’ push to include a pathway to legal status in their social spending plan, a blow to the party’s efforts to enact immigration reform.

“Our economy depends more than ever on immigrants,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “Despite putting their lives on the line during the pandemic and paying their fair share of taxes, they remain locked out of the federal assistance that served as a lifeline for so many families. We will continue fighting to pursue the best path forward to grant them the ability to obtain lawful status.” Schumer’s remarks were echoed by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.).

A White House spokesperson reiterated that President Joe Biden “supports efforts by Congress to include a pathway to citizenship in the reconciliation package and is grateful to Congressional leadership for all of the work they are doing to make this a reality. ”

With bipartisan talks stalled, Democrats widely viewed the social spending package — set to advance through the so-called budget reconciliation process that allows Democrats to sidestep a filibuster — as their best chance to enact immigration reform. Congressional leaders have several alternative proposals and should immediately put them before the parliamentarian; hitting a roadblock the first time is nothing new in the push for immigration reform. The need for pathways to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS and DED recipients, farm workers and essential workers is still vital from both a moral perspective, and a pragmatic one: reforms will have a direct budget impact and would yield $1.5 trillion over ten years in economic growth. There is also a continued need to address visa backlogs and bring our immigration system into this century.

Democrats vowed to continue this battle for sensible immigration reform, urging Congressional members to update our immigration laws. Immigration reform is hard. But it’s not dead.