The Golden Door: February 2023

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ACTION ALERT: Submit a Comment to Reject Biden's Asylum Ban

The Biden administration is rapidly advancing its attack on the right to seek asylum in the U.S., modeled after Trump administration proposals that were found to be illegal in the courts. With few exceptions, the Biden asylum ban would find people who arrive at the southern border ineligible for life-saving asylum protection based on the journeys they were forced to take and how they were forced to enter the country. 

In a statement condemning the Biden administration's asylum ban, ILAP's Executive Director Sue Roche said, “This rule will needlessly force already vulnerable people into even more disastrous situations, deny them their rights, and cost them their lives. Our energy and resources should be focused on building a just, humane, and welcoming asylum system which upholds the law and human rights." Read ILAP's full statement here.

The administration is attempting to ram this life-threatening proposal through as fast as possible, only offering a 30-day public comment period as opposed to the standard 60-day period. ILAP has joined efforts calling for at least 60 days.

Take action by using a template created by our national partners to submit a public comment! Remember: please personalize your comment because duplicate comments are grouped together and responded to as one. 

 
 

Support Ms. A. B., an Asylum Seeker Who Stood Up to the Trump Administration

When the Trump administration attempted to categorically erase access to asylum for women fleeing domestic violence by using Ms. A. B.’s case and life, she took them on in the courts. It was an act of extraordinary courage that has kept the door open for others seeking asylum due to gender-based violence.

Now, after nearly a decade of separation from her children, the application has been approved for them to join her in the U.S. Please consider donating to help Ms. A. B. and her family finally start their new lives together in safety and security.

Deep Dive: Analysis on Senator Collins’ Ineffective Legislation on Work Permits for Asylum Seekers 

Senators Collins and Sinema re-introduced the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act in the Senate earlier this month – a proposal that would allow asylum seekers to apply for work permits 30 days after applying for asylum, as opposed to the current law which requires a 6-month waiting period. This waiting period needlessly leaves asylum seekers without the ability to work to support themselves and their families and deprives businesses of much needed workers. 

Unfortunately, despite ILAP’s strong urging against it, Senators Collins and Sinema added a new, counterproductive provision to the language which will only serve to politicize this bill. The bill would differentiate access to work permits based on how an asylum seeker enters the country. A person who enters at a port of entry would be eligible to apply for a work permit in 30 days after applying for asylum but those who crossed between ports of entry would still have to wait six months - even though U.S. law is clear that people have the right to seek asylum no matter how they are forced to enter the country. This provision plays into dehumanizing narratives about asylum seekers, insinuating they have choices and that there is otherwise access to life-saving protection at the U.S.-Mexico border. There is not. 

Operationally, this provision would add burdens and slowdowns at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USCIS), which would have to screen and adjudicate manner of entry in a work permit application. Continue reading...

Black History Month

This Black History Month, we saw celebrations of Black immigrant leaders throughout history and heard from Black voices creating history now. Yet, the very same month was filled with excruciating reminders of the anti-Blackness poisoning every system in our country: the senseless police killing of Tyre Nichols, the violent backlash Portland City Councilor Victoria Pelletier experienced for speaking out against white supremacy, and the anti-Black asylum policy introduced by the Biden administration just last week.

Black communities continue to bear the brunt of anti-Blackness, but anti-Blackness harms all of us. That means, it will take all of us to re-imagine and re-create these harmful systems. Like so many times before, Black people and Black immigrants are already leading the way. Just last week, after years of organizing and advocacy by immigrants, the Minnesota Senate passed a Driver’s License for All bill that, if signed into law by the govenor, will benefit many undocumented immigrants.

This may be the end of Black History Month, but Black history is taking place every day. Black immigrants play a huge part in our past, present, and future! 

Legal Resource Roundup: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Updates 

WTPS is a temporary immigration status that gives people protection from deportation for as long as their TPS status remains valid. TPS holders are also eligible for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) and can apply for permission to travel outside of the U.S. 

AFGHANISTAN (Updated Guidance)

ILAP issued updated information on TPS for Afghanistan to help Afghan parolees as well as others better understand their options.

Find more information in your language: 


HAITI 

The new designation of TPS for Haiti is for 18 months, from February 4, 2023, to August 3, 2024 and the period to apply and re-register is now open. 

Find more information in your language: 

ILAP in the News

In a Maine Public article discussing the challenges asylum seekers face, Senior Project Attorney Jennifer Bailey explained the root of the problem: an inaccessible and unjust immigration system. She also discussed ILAP's new program that will help even more immigrants begin the process of applying for asylum with the help of an attorney.

Yahoo! News reported the anticipated opening of new apartments in South Portland, many of which will be available to immigrants currently staying in hotels. ILAP is among the local organizations who will be providing legal help and other support to these residents and other immigrants navigating the asylum system.

 
 

Volunteer as a Translator/Interpreter with ILAP

We have an amazing network of volunteer interpreters and translators and we are always looking to grow our language capacity!

ILAP is currently seeking volunteer interpreters and translators. Interpreters assist with spoken communications and interpret in person or by phone or Zoom during attorney consultations. Translators help with written materials and translate client documents and website content. 

Our greatest languages needs are Spanish, French, Portuguese, Lingala, and Haitian Creole. Language volunteer positions are open to people 18 years of age and older and require a high degree of fluency. 

Visit our website to learn more about volunteering! If you are interested in becoming a language volunteer, please fill out our short survey below. We will begin reviewing the responses and reaching out to new volunteers next month and throughout the spring. 

The Golden Door, ILAP NewsILAP MaineTPS, Asylum, Call to Action, Work Permit, Public Comment, Racial Justice, Housing, Volunteers