A $118 billion bill that would overhaul the nation’s asylum system and give additional aid to Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. allies has been opposed by LGBT rights organizations.
Sens. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) released the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act on Sunday.
The act is “the strongest border security deal in decades to establish control of the border, close catch and release, improve surveillance, fix the asylum system, and support border communities,” according to the three lawmakers in a statement.
According to a statement posted on Sinema’s website, “Sinema, Lankford, and Murphy’s bipartisan package reasserts control of the border, protects border communities, disrupts the flow of fentanyl into the country, and solves our border crisis by ending catch and release, strengthening our asylum system by delivering determinations efficiently and fairly, enhancing security, and improving the legal immigration system.”
The bill may speed up the asylum application process, among other things. The Department of Homeland Security would be able to close the Southern border if at least 5,000 refugees crossed in a 7-day period, and the burden on asylum applicants may increase based on their “credible fear” of persecution in their country of origin.
According to the Associated Press, the bill also includes $60 billion in support for Israel and $14 billion for Ukraine. Civilians in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank would receive an additional $10 billion in humanitarian aid as a result of the measure.
In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) Tuesday, Human Rights Campaign Government Affairs Vice President David Stacy stated that while the proposal’s proposed changes to our asylum system would cause irreparable harm to the lives of asylum seekers, including LGBTQ+ people, “we recognize the immediate need to complete important immigration reform and address the challenges at our Southern border.”
According to Stacy, HRC is “significantly concerned that LGBTQ+ asylum seekers will be forced to wait in Mexico under the new border expulsion specialist for their asylum applications to be heard and at risk of increased assault.” The email also makes reference to Title 42, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rule that barred the majority of asylum seekers and refugees from entering the Southern border due to the COVID-19 crisis, and the “Remain in Mexico” scheme, which mandated that they do so.
According to Stacy, the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42 policies have documented murder, sexual assault, extortion, and kidnapping of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. “This new authority would enable similar circumstances for those waiting to make their asylum claims.” “LGBTQ+ asylum applicants will have to decide whether to go back to a country where they will face harassment or stay in perilous purgatory while they wait to enter the United States.”
The “Remain in Mexico” policy was abolished by the Biden-Harris administration in 2021. Title 42 expired in May of last year.
“Immigration is an issue for transgender people.”
The Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act was the target of a rally on Tuesday in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, which included the National LGBTQ Task Force among the organizations involved.
According to Allen Morris, the party’s policy producer, immigration is an LGBTQ issue.
Morris continued, “LGBTQ people are currently seeking asylum from countries where their very existence is threatened and criminalized.” “Democratic gain should not be used to secure the security of our borders or the safety of those who need it.”
Along with CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres, Anu Joshi of the American Civil Liberties Union, and other speakers, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) and United States Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Greg Casar, of Texas, and Nanette Barragán spoke.
Republicans who did not consult with Latino legislators during the bill’s negotiations were criticized by Padilla. Former President Donald Trump and his opposition to it were even singled out by the California Democrat.
“It’s unfortunate that they (Republicans) continue to follow the example of a fear-mongering, anti-immigrant former president at every turn,” said Padilla. “Our nation deserves better.”
He continued, “The item they put forth would prevent refugees from fleeing for their life from the chance to get asylum.”
The press conference was held just hours before Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) declared that the bill is basically useless due to House Majorities Leader Mike Johnson’s opposition. as well as a rising number of different Republicans. Alejandro Mayorkas, the Cuban-born Homeland Security Secretary, is scheduled to be impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Amber Laenen made a contribution to this piece.
