First:
Before anyone in the US heard about “The Caravan”, asylum seekers from Central America were told that they could only enter the US at an official port of entry or risk imprisonment and family separation.
Next:
When family separation became politically unpalatable Trump attempted to claim a new power to bar asylum for immigrants who arrive any way other than through an official port of entry.
This “new power” was ruled unconstitutional last week, yet thousands are still in prison for legally attempting to apply for asylum, just not at a port of entry. Those housed at Sea-Tac Detention Center are in prison for that reason and no other.
Yesterday:
Around 500 migrants, part of the larger group or caravan, who have been gathering in Tijuana, Mexico, made moves toward the official port of entry, The San Ysidro Port.
Then:
Our government closed the port.
Our government threatened Mexico with the prospect of closing the entire border.
Our government fired at the asylum seekers indiscriminately using rubber bullets and tear gas aimed at entire families including children.
THIS IS NOT OK.
“Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.”
-United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
-Inscription on the Statue of Liberty
Action: Let our MoCs know we expect them to speak up for those without a voice.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal: DC – 202-225-3106; Seattle – 206-674-0040
Rep. Adam Smith: DC – 202-225-8901; Renton – 425-793-5180
Senator Patty Murray: DC – 202-224-2621; Seattle – 206-553-5545
Senator Maria Cantwell: DC – 202-224-3441; Seattle – 206-220-6400
Script:
“Hello, I am [NAME], a constituent calling from [CITY, ZIP]. The US recognizes the right of asylum under both international and US law. What’s going on at our southern border is not consistent with my values, our law, and is not acceptable in any way. Please ask [MoC] to do everything possible to help Asylum seekers at the southern border right now. This cruelty cannot be allowed to continue. Please ask [MoC] to use his/her platform to speak out against these atrocities, including opening fire with rubber bullets and tear gas to target families.”
Background:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article222161790.html
