As the number of international migrants has increased over the past five decades due to conflict, violence, climate change and other factors, the United States continues to face a significant spike in migration as well.  While our country is culturally and economically enriched by this migration, we also know that many of the migrants arriving at the southern border today are fleeing persecution and violence as they seek to access the U.S. asylum process. We are faced with this reality in our local communities as we encounter and support hundreds of asylum seekers at Riverton Park United Methodist Church in Tukwila and other communities across Washington. From their stories we know that these recent arrivals, including many children, have endured grueling journeys mostly on foot, spanning hundreds and thousands of miles, and they are simply seeking safety, housing, and the chance to work and provide for their families.

President Biden's Securing the Border Proclamation and the Interim Final Rule announced on June 4th severely restricts the legal right to seek asylum. Aside from a few exceptions for unaccompanied minors and certain victims of human trafficking, this order temporarily suspends the processing of most asylum claims once the seven-day average of unauthorized border crossings exceeds 2,500 per day. This order will be in effect until 14 days after the seven-day average declines to less than 1,500 unauthorized crossings per day. Those who cross without authorization when the order is in effect will be banned from re-entry for 5 years and can potentially face criminal charges

Alongside our coalition partners Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), Northwest Immigrants' Rights Project (NWIRP), and One America, Faith Action Network (FAN) believes that these orders are unjust and inhumane, putting thousands of lives at risk each day. We are gravely concerned that these orders do not honor due process for those seeking asylum and that they will only continue a negative narrative that criminalizes and dehumanizes migrants.

Join us in sending a message to our elected representatives in Congress that we believe in the right to seek asylum and the need for comprehensive immigration reform so that we can welcome migrants with compassion, respect, and dignity. At a time when many elected officials are being urged to further militarize the border and criminalize migration, we must share a counter narrative as people of faith and conscience: we value the inherent worth and dignity of all people, we believe in the right to seek asylum, and we are committed to working for justice and equity through the diverse and rich expressions of our faith traditions.