Biden's proposed asylum ban disproportionately harms Black migrants

How Biden's proposed asylum ban disproportionately harms Black migrants | Opinion

"This new asylum ban will only exacerbate the crisis and will continue to put more and more Black migrants at risk of unlawful detention and deportation.

• Kosar Kosar serves as multicultural organizer at the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC).

On Feb. 21, the Biden administration announced a proposed federal rule to implement an asylum ban at the U.S. southern border. This would deny many seeking asylum based on their manner of entry. As someone who ran on the promise of “saving the soul of America,” this ban from the Biden administration only damns it.

President Joe Biden ran on a platform of restoring a humane approach to the humanitarian crisis at the border, but since taking office, he has continued to maintain the same harmful policies as his predecessor, such as Title 42 and Remain in Mexico, resulting in the detention and deportations of several thousand migrants. The majority of them disproportionately being Black migrants.

It is now more than ever that we fight against anti-Black policies such as this new asylum ban and rectify the injustices committed against asylum seekers.

Since President Biden took office, his administration has ordered roughly 278 flights to Haiti, deporting over 26,700 Haitians (Witness at the Border).

This new asylum ban will only exacerbate the crisis and will continue to put more and more Black migrants at risk of unlawful detention and deportation. We must reaffirm our support for Black migrants here in the United States and in Tennessee.

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The experiences of Black migrants are distinct

Do we want to be a country that closes its doors to those in need or a country that lives up to its values welcoming with dignity and offering refuge to those seeking safety?

As a movement, we can live up to our ideals by centering the experiences and perspectives of Black migrants and refugees. The experiences of Black migrants are distinct from others in that they face intersecting forms of discrimination based on their race, nationality, and immigration status.

Ignoring these unique experiences can lead to policies that do not adequately address the needs of Black migrants. We must recognize and address the unique challenges that Black migrants face, amplify their voices, and work to advocate for safe and inclusive pathways to migration that do not further harm Black migrants.

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As individuals, here are some ways we can support Black migrants:

• Reaching out to your federal, state, and local elected leaders and ask them to urge President Biden to reverse course on this cruel asylum ban and restore humanity and dignity to our immigration system
• Submitting public comments through this form telling the Biden administration how this policy will hurt asylum seekers.
• Donating to and volunteering at organizations centering Black immigrants and refugees.

Kosar Kosar serves as multicultural organizer at the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC). He leads TIRRC’s Black Immigrant Caucus, a group dedicated to creating space for Black immigrant community members and leaders across the state to connect and ensure Black immigrants can shape TIRRC’s campaign priorities and goals."

Biden's proposed asylum ban disproportionately harms Black migrants