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AILA Doc. No. 16061567 | Dated June 15, 2016
CONTACTS: | |
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George Tzamaras 202-507-7649 gtzamaras@aila.org |
Belle Woods 202-507-7675 bwoods@aila.org |
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) released a new report entitled Due Process Denied: Central Americans Seeking Asylum and Legal Protection in the United States detailing the violations of due process stemming from the recent raids targeting Central American refugees and asylum seekers. The report provides recommendations for reforms that would ensure just and fair consideration for these vulnerable populations under U.S. law.
"The response thus far from the Obama Administration to the refugee situation in Central America has been abysmal. Immigration authorities are detaining and unduly fast-tracking the deportations of women with their children, girls and boys, single adults, and entire families fleeing to escape an epidemic of violence in their countries," said AILA President Victor Nieblas Pradis. He continued, "The government should never force those fleeing persecution back to danger and death. Yet, that's exactly what the federal government did and is still doing. Our country is better than this. We can, and must, do better than this, and that begins with ensuring due process for every individual who comes to our country seeking protection."
The report draws upon the work of hundreds of AILA members through both the Artesia Pro Bono Project in New Mexico and the CARA Family Detention Project in Texas, projects which combined have represented thousands of detained families. The report describes six areas where changes can and must be made to ensure that the immigration system actually offers a meaningful chance for asylum seekers to claim protection. The report urges the administration to implement the following solutions to restore due process and protection:
AILA Executive Director Benjamin Johnson noted, "The reality is that the underlying conditions in the Northern Triangle need to be addressed. So, in addition to the recommendations AILA is making to the U.S. government, we also strongly urge Central American countries to offer real protection for vulnerable individuals. However, given the continued absence of such protection, the U.S. needs to step up and implement a humanitarian relief program that actually helps the thousands of terrified families and individuals who deserve to be safe."
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The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.
Cite as AILA Doc. No. 16061567.
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