Washington, D.C. – Franciscan Action Network (FAN) decries the decision by Attorney General Barr to deny a large class of asylum seekers a bond hearing to argue for their release. This action could keep thousands of asylum seekers in detention for months or even years. This inhuman policy, set to take effect on July 15th, 2019, reverses a 2005 immigration court ruling that guaranteed bond hearings for migrants who passed a “credible fear” interview, the first step in their asylum review.
The ruling will not apply to migrant children traveling alone or with families because the Flores agreement determined that children cannot be detained for longer than 20 days, but will most likely result in further family separations. Asylum seekers are seeking safety and protection from violence or persecution, but this new ruling is further evidence that this administration will make every effort to deny them such protection.
FAN joins others in demanding that the administration permits asylum seekers to be released on bond and equitably processed. “We note that this cruel and inhumane decision has been issued during the week that Christians call Holy, when authorities made up a case against Jesus in order to justify their decision to condemn, torture, and execute him.’ states Sister Marie Lucey, FAN Associate Director. “We pray for all asylum seekers, and raise our voices in their defense.”
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Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of Saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform United States public policy related to peace making, care for creation, poverty, and human rights. For more information: https://franciscanaction.org/
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