TAKE ACTION! July 2020 Public Comment Campaign -- Deadline 7/15/2020
PUBLIC COMMENT CAMPAIGN to protest proposed changes to U.S. asylum rules. Please submit your comments before the DEADLINE: July 15, 2020
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WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PROTEST THE PROPOSED RULE CHANGES TO U.S. ASYLUM LAW by submitting a public comment by July 15, 2020.
The current U.S. administration is proposing the elimination of most avenues to legally claim asylum. The ability to seek asylum from persecution is a core human right enshrined in international and domestic law (unless these proposed changes take effect). Procedures for Asylum and Withholding of Removal; Credible Fear and Reasonable Fear Review, is a 161-page document published in the Federal Register on June 15, 2020, a Proposed Rule by DHS (Dept of Homeland Security) and EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review). The proposed rules are open to comment until July 15, 2020. We are asking that these rules be withdrawn in their entirety. Let's vigorously oppose these rules on the grounds that they are unlawful and inhumane. You can view comments and follow the count, (5,000+ as of 7/2/2020). https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EOIR-2020-0003-0001 |
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY? If you already have an idea of how you'd like to comment, go directly to the public commentary page. After you submit, you will receive a receipt showing you what you entered.
DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY? NEED SOME TIPS?
--Concerns from a relevant professional lens, human perspective or volunteer expertise
--Media reports from the border referencing anecdotes or quotes that demonstrate the difficulties to comply under the current rules
--Include data to support your claims, based on your field of knowledge or expertise, describe the detrimental impacts these changes will have on specific populations (e.g. trauma, child development, environmental racism, human rights, gender-based violence)
--Keep to the topic of these proposed rule changes affecting asylum. Please do not add comments re: other issues like MPP or work permits.
NOTE: These rules would drastically restrict the eligibility of those applying for asylum in the U.S. Proposed changes will:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/06/19/we-cannot-let-trump-administration-turn-this-countrys-back-asylum-seekers/
4. Go to the public commentary page and post your comment.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/06/15/2020-12575/procedures-for-asylum-and-withholding-of-removal-credible-fear-and-reasonable-fear-review#open-comment
5. If you wish to submit a paper comment, in lieu of electronic submission, please direct the mail to:
Lauren Alder Reid, Assistant Director, Office of Policy
Executive Office for Immigration Review
5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1800
Falls Church, VA 22041
To be counted your written letter must reference "DHS/EOIR; RIN 1125-AA94; EOIR Docket No. 18-0002" on your correspondence.
Mailed items must be postmarked on or before the 7/15/2020 deadline.
Thank you! Please share these instructions with your friends, colleagues and networks. The more public comments, the better!
DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY? NEED SOME TIPS?
- Refer to BABR's detailed list of 11 specific issues and concerns while drafting your personal comment. Please note there is a 5,000 character max.
- Think about: What harm will be caused to asylum seekers by these proposed rule changes? How do these changes perpetuate human rights violations? Why is it important for YOU (professionally, personally, and culturally) to speak up for asylum seekers?
- Substantiate your comments by adding one or more of the following:
--Concerns from a relevant professional lens, human perspective or volunteer expertise
--Media reports from the border referencing anecdotes or quotes that demonstrate the difficulties to comply under the current rules
--Include data to support your claims, based on your field of knowledge or expertise, describe the detrimental impacts these changes will have on specific populations (e.g. trauma, child development, environmental racism, human rights, gender-based violence)
--Keep to the topic of these proposed rule changes affecting asylum. Please do not add comments re: other issues like MPP or work permits.
NOTE: These rules would drastically restrict the eligibility of those applying for asylum in the U.S. Proposed changes will:
- categorically deny claims where the applicant suffered persecution on account of gender
- allow immigration judges to deny asylum applications without a court hearing and testimony from the applicant
- create new barriers to obtaining asylum for anyone who attempts to enter the U.S. unlawfully, works in the U.S. without authorization or fails to pay taxes, among other provisions.
- threaten confidentiality, eg, the government may disclose all relevant and applicable information in or pertaining to the application for asylum
- deny asylum to all persons fleeing violence related to a criminal, terrorist, or gang affiliated organization AND persons fleeing violence based on gender
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/06/19/we-cannot-let-trump-administration-turn-this-countrys-back-asylum-seekers/
4. Go to the public commentary page and post your comment.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/06/15/2020-12575/procedures-for-asylum-and-withholding-of-removal-credible-fear-and-reasonable-fear-review#open-comment
5. If you wish to submit a paper comment, in lieu of electronic submission, please direct the mail to:
Lauren Alder Reid, Assistant Director, Office of Policy
Executive Office for Immigration Review
5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1800
Falls Church, VA 22041
To be counted your written letter must reference "DHS/EOIR; RIN 1125-AA94; EOIR Docket No. 18-0002" on your correspondence.
Mailed items must be postmarked on or before the 7/15/2020 deadline.
Thank you! Please share these instructions with your friends, colleagues and networks. The more public comments, the better!
