A Message From Our Executive Director
As lawyers and advocates, at ILAP we see the direct impact of immigration laws and policies on our clients’ lives. These policies can be a matter of life or death as they determine who gets to come into the country, who gets to apply for asylum protection, and who gets deported.
Our experience and observations show us that our Black and Brown clients experience the immigration system very differently from our white clients. This is partly because the immigration system was originally created to keep people of color out of the United States, but also because new policies implemented by administrations from both parties continue to favor white immigrants and those from Western countries over immigrants of color. These policies are racist, and as advocates we need to address this racism so the system will change.
We envision an immigration system where all immigrants and asylum seekers have the same access to protection and due process as they navigate our immigration laws, regardless of their race, financial means, or what country they came from.
“These policies are racist, and as advocates we need to address this racism so the system will change.”
We are extremely disappointed by the Biden Administration’s recent policies that would restrict asylum for those arriving at the U.S. border, primarily Black and Brown asylum seekers. We are glad the Administration is supporting Ukrainian refugees and hope it will continue to do so. But we also recognize that position contradicts border policies that impact African, Haitian, and Central American refugees. As an immigration legal organization, ILAP will continue to advocate for our individual clients in their cases, while we also work towards systemic change. This work includes shining a light on policies that are racist and unjust.
You can read more about our client-centered services and immigration policy efforts in this newsletter, including ways you can engage to help make our immigration system more just, fair, and equitable.
Thank you for your support and solidarity.
SUE ROCHE
Executive Director