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May 2020
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Before the pandemic, applying for asylum in the United States could take years. Now, with COVID-19 shutting down federal facilities and immigration courts across the country, asylum seekers face a “state of chaos,” says HIAS supervising attorney Cynthia Katz.
Read about the challenges facing asylum seekers. |
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HIAS’ work during the pandemic isn’t limited to providing services and assistance to refugees. As Congress passes recovery legislation, the administration issues new immigration policies, and the courts rule on big cases, we’re pushing to make sure refugees and asylum seekers are cared for and given access to all of their rights.
Here's what we're asking for. |
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| A partnership between HIAS and US Together in Cleveland is putting digital literacy training and tools like tablets in the hands of some local refugees. The results: improved English skills, quicker adaptation to American life, and even a boost to some businesses. Read about the partnership. |
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More news and stories on our blog.
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In case you missed it:
- Trump Administration Plans to Extend Virus Border Restrictions Indefinitely – Under the guise of protecting the United States from the transmission of COVID-19, the U.S. has essentially closed its southern border to asylum seekers. That policy will now continue indefinitely, a move that HIAS strongly opposes. Naomi Steinberg, HIAS vice president for public policy and advocacy, said in a statement that the administration is “violating core U.S. immigration laws that unequivocally guarantee individuals the right to seek protection in the United States. These laws are not null and void, even during a public health crisis.”
- How Asylum Seekers In Israel Are Coping With COVID-19 – Sivan Carmel, HIAS’ country director in Israel, recorded a video about how the pandemic has upended the lives of asylum seekers there. "Most are just voicing real anxiety of, 'My money is quickly running out, the landlord is asking me for rent. Very soon I'm afraid I'm gonna find myself and my kids on the street,'" she said.
- Up Close and Personal at the U.S.-Mexico Border – Volunteer Jeff Paddock took part in one of the last HIAS delegations to the border before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. He wrote an account of his two weeks working with asylum seekers and watching them cope with the traumas they had endured.
- A Global Perspective on the Modern Perils of Seeking Asylum – As governments around the world react to COVID-19, their actions and safety measures often target asylum and other human rights. Jessica Therkelsen, HIAS’ director of legal protection, wrote about how “refugees are losing nearly all of their rights for an ever-narrowing chance at safety.”
Take Action:
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Stay Involved With HIAS@Home – Even with COVID-19 restrictions in place, there are still many ways to learn about, advocate for, and help refugees and asylum seekers. We’ve launched a new page, HIAS@Home, where we offer calls and webinars with our experts and partners, refugee-related resources for book and film clubs, and other ways to stay engaged on refugee issues during the pandemic. |
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Did you know that HIAS is on LinkedIn? You can also find us on Instagram and Medium.
For up to the minute news and updates, follow HIAS on Facebook and Twitter
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