International Rescue Committee Calls on the U.S. to Rescind the Flawed and Dangerous ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy
“Remain in Mexico” violates the rights of asylum-seekers enshrined in U.S. law, and will expose already-vulnerable people to increased risks.
NEW YORK, January 25 2019 - Yesterday’s announcement that the U.S. will begin forcing individuals and families seeking protection to return to Mexico is as harmful as it is illegal. Known as “Remain in Mexico,” it will rob asylum-seekers of their due process rights, including access to legal counsel, and expose thousands to increased risks to their health and safety.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) calls on the U.S. Administration to rescind this cruel and irresponsible policy, and uphold its humanitarian commitments.
The United States has systematically eliminated safe and legal pathways for Central Americans to receive protection, cancelled evidence-based programs that support families in fulfilling immigration court appearance obligations, and attempted to circumvent decades-old precedent in U.S. asylum law.
Based on the gross neglect implementing “zero tolerance,” a de facto child separation policy, The IRC fears a roll-out that will sow chaos on both sides of the border – for families and for government actors – placing real risk on the wellbeing of vulnerable children and families, and making a mockery of U.S. asylum adjudication.
Said Olga Byrne, Director of Immigration, U.S. Programs –
“‘Remain in Mexico’ is another gut punch to U.S. protections for refugees fleeing violence or persecution.
“The administration claimed it was diverting resources from the U.S. refugee resettlement to strengthen asylum processing. But instead of strengthening the U.S. system to adjudicate asylum claims fairly and efficiently, the U.S. is now experimenting with dangerous and impractical enforcement policies: laying bare a wholesale intention on dismantling legal forms of immigration for those who need it most.
“Even more troubling is the prospect of another botched implementation - and its impact on families already experiencing unbearable levels of trauma.”
Asylum-seekers have the right to apply for protection. Longstanding U.S. and international law protects people from being returned against their will to a country where they may face persecution or torture.
IRC Emergency Interventions
The IRC has quickly ramped up emergency response in El Salvador, seeing first-hand the conditions underlying flight and requests for international protection. As of January 15, the IRC had:
Further, the IRC has implemented an emergency response in the United States through its network, responding to asylum-seekers through:
For more information and to support IRC's work in El Salvador and in the U.S., visit here. You can take action here.
For interviews from San Salvador or New York, please email Communications@rescue.org.
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About the IRC
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 26 offices across the U.S. helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. Learn more at www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Twitter & Facebook.
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San Juan County Extends Our Condolences to the Scott Pehrson Family
San Juan County, UT – San Juan County extends our deepest condolences to the Scott Pehrson Family. It is in times of heartbreak and tragedy that we pull together and support the members in our community. The Pehrson Family has been a consistent example of lifting others, and now we have the opportunity to love and support them.
We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, San Juan County Search and Rescue, Grand County Search and Rescue, Alta Avalanche Team, Utah Highway Patrol, State of Utah, and many local volunteers. Although the result was not what we prayed for, we are humbled by the efforts and coordination of all entities.
As residents and visitors continue to recreate, please be aware of avalanche warnings and other weather conditions. Safety should always be the primary goal.
Scott leaves behind a wonderful wife and four young children. If you would like to contribute to help the Pehrson family through this tragic time, please use the link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-scott-pehrson?member=1574984
#SanJuanStrong
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