The Biden administration and congressional leaders are reportedly considering compromising asylum and refugee rights in exchange for military funding. The Republican Party has conditioned its support for aid for Ukraine on the approval of anti-immigrant legislation and measures that would further restrict asylum, expand expedited removal and detain families. We come together as a network of more than 50 community organizations in service to the well-being of migrants living in the United States and across Latin America to oppose all proposals willing to sacrifice vulnerable populations and abdicate moral leadership and international obligations in exchange for increased militarization.

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Despite the valuable contributions of migrant communities to the fabric of U.S. society and its economy, this population remains the recipient of public policies and measures that can only be explained by anti-immigrant, xenophobic and white supremacist agendas. The measures up for debate will have a disproportionate impact on Latin American migrant communities residing in the United States and on people seeking protection in this country. As of December 19, 2023, the actions being considered as part of this agreement could include:

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1. Increasing and prolonging the detention of asylum seekers, including families with children.
2. Making the first step in the asylum process more demanding by modifying the criteria for credible fear interviews.
3. Requiring people to request asylum in a country en route to the United States and prove denial of their application. This is known as a “transit ban.”
4. Declaring a national emergency that would close the border, similar to Title 42.
5. Expanding the measure of “expedited removal” to the entire national territory. It currently only applies 100 miles from the border. This puts individuals and families with roots planted in the United States at risk of detention and deportation.
6. Limiting travel permits or parole for people of certain nationalities who do not have a tourist visa or documentation to travel outside of and re-enter the country.

These proposals are an explicit attack against our communities, and we will not remain silent. Migrant communities contribute to this Nation, we are part of the fabric of the U.S.  If elected representatives support this agreement, they would be using our hard-earned tax dollars in interests against us, our families, and our communities.

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Amidst end-of-year gatherings, we encourage our communities to stay engaged and add their voice to national demands opposing the proposed exchanges. Send an email or make a phone call to express your outrage and let your Senators, District Representatives, and President Biden know that you reject investing in militarism, and incarceration. Refer to our guide for suggested messages.

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Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable way of life for communities across North, Central and South America.