The right to seek asylum is a fundamental and legal human right. It recognizes the basic human need for safety and protection from persecution. Today, this right is under threat due to the worst kind of partisan politics.

Senators are currently negotiating a one-time supplemental foreign aid funding bill that is being hijacked by extremist legislators demanding provisions that would block asylum seekers, shut down the U.S.-Mexico border, and expand expedited removals. If these anti-immigrant proposals are included in the funding bill, it will restrict migrants from seeking safety in the U.S. and put migrant families at risk.

The U.S. has a long history of providing refuge to those fleeing danger and persecution. Under both U.S. and international law, individuals have the right to seek safety in other nations and have their requests for asylum considered.

The right to asylum is a measure of our commitment to human rights and dignity. It is a reflection of our values as a nation. We must ensure that this right is protected and that those who seek refuge find the safety and respect they deserve.

Instead of using an unrelated short-term funding deal to make changes to our asylum laws in order to appease right-wing legislators, Congress should fully debate and pass transformational immigration legislation that includes human rights affirming solutions to improve border management.

Sign if you agree: Seeking asylum is a human right that must be protected.