by Chris Tillen
Immigration is a process that resides at the heart of America, with national identity originating from the pilgrims sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and arriving at Plymouth. Throughout history, America has accepted an increasing number of migrants traveling from their home nation seeking prosperity in the states. This includes a diverse collection of citizens, ranging from Chinese to Irish descent and many more. Recent years have highlighted the US’s role in providing asylum for victims of oppression and the unique situation the US is in for aiding refugees and supplying a path to citizenship. The Trump Administration opposed this idea of American generosity with Trump instead putting American citizens first and restricting outsiders with a border wall. While Trump’s policies have had a varying effect on American citizens, the notion of putting Americans first is most certainly not a malicious one. However, his stance on immigrants exemplifies a reversal in the American characteristic of providing a safe haven for the less fortunate. Contrarily, President-elect Joe Biden seeks to return America to this core belief with plans to reverse the actions of the Trump administration and install modernized immigration actions. While immigration is an incredibly vast topic, the issue that runs to America’s core is providing sanctuary for fleeing refugees. In a nation where so much culture is built off the diverse legacy of different migrants, it is paramount to address how America can exist as the oasis for disenfranchised people. The future for asylum seekers is bright at the dawn of the Biden administration.
Firstly, President-elect Joe Biden’s proposed action to increase the number of refugees allowed in the US demonstrates his concrete ideology towards benefitting asylum seekers. USA Today details the physical cap that Trump placed on refugees, which was; “50,000 during Trump’s first year in office, falling all the way to a 15,000 refugee cap.” The 15,000 that Trump proposed is the lowest cap in the history of the US refugee program, and the decline in acceptance illustrates his successful actions to close America off to many asylum seekers. On the contrary, the Biden campaign has announced, “[Biden] will set the annual global refugee admissions cap to 125,000, and seek to raise it over time.” Biden’s projected cap goes beyond that of the Obama Administration and would be the highest in the history of the program, underlining his desire to use America’s resources to maximize helping displaced people. In a presidential debate, Biden also advocated for ending and replacing Trump’s metering policies, which put a daily limit on who could be admitted at the southern border. Metering has caused thousands of refugees to accumulate in long lines at the border, often for weeks on end, before they are even met by officials. Biden’s claim to nullify this act and supply a more productive method of accepting refugees demonstrates his commitment to aiding dispossessed citizens.
Similarly, Biden’s attention to the nature of who gets asylum displays his devotion to helping migrants and extending aid to people in a myriad of compromising situations. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions, serving from 2017-2018, passed a directive that barred victims of domestic abuse and gang violence from receiving asylum. Sessions argued that asylum was solely for victims of government violence, and not for those subject to private abuse. This decision contradicted and amended the original asylum program, which included the former groups. It also combats the notion that the US is helping people, as cutting victims out of a deal to provide them with aid goes against the ideals upon which the refugee program was built. The Biden campaign has pledged to undo these specific policies and return to providing sanctuary for victims of any kind of violence and oppression, from governmental to gang based to domestic. Biden’s vehement propositions to escalate the acceptance of refugees and extend the option to people with a plethora of difficult backgrounds depict an optimistic future where more people will be assisted by American resources.
Additionally, Biden’s plans to abolish Trump’s Migrant Protection Protocols, otherwise known as Remain In Mexico, highlights his prioritization of immigrant safety. Trump’s MPP Program does exactly what the name ‘Remain in Mexico’ entails; it forces many refugees to wait in Mexico as their applications for asylum are processed. CBS’s analysis of this program concludes that the certifications of refugees applications for asylum are expected to return in a year or longer, subjecting tens of thousands of migrants to a minimum 12 cruel months trapped in makeshift towns or detention centers on the Mexican border. Human rights organizations have identified multitudes of violations in these communities, including kidnappings and rampant sexual assault. Trump’s creation of these policies epitomizes a complete disregard for people who are already facing extreme hardship, placing them in an additional abominable situation while denying them any relief. The Biden website emphasizes how abrogating Remain in Mexico is crucial, and he states, “This is the first time ever you’ve had to seek asylum in a third country. It’s outrageous. It’s outrageous. It’s wrong.” Biden recognizes the pervasive evils of Remain in Mexico and seeks to reverse the program. He aims to allow asylum seekers to undergo the legal application process while being provided residence in the US. Remain in Mexico is merely one inhumane policy that Trump has enacted in his four year tenure as president. Joe Biden’s distinct decision to eradicate Remain In Mexico embodies his compassion as a leader, indicating smoother and more humane asylum laws at the turn of administrations.
Despite the optimistic nature of Biden’s principles and goals to help asylum seekers, there is still reprehension. This anxiety stems from a combination of difficulties in reversing Trump’s policies, the tension between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, and the idea that while Biden’s plans are beneficial for asylum seekers, he has yet to enact any. Additionally, division plagues Washington and Trump supporters in congress pose an obstacle in Biden’s path. However, through executive orders and support from politicians on both sides of the aisle, there is still likely potential that Biden will achieve success with the federal government.
There are also numerous complications within Biden’s sweeping immigration plan. Time Magazine discusses the issues of reversing Remain in Mexico, as allowing the tens of thousands that are currently waiting on the border into the US would create a massive influx and overwhelm immigration resources. In addition to the troubles immense overflow would cause, this tsunami of refugees could cause panic among Americans, and introduce fear that the border lacks control. This consequence is representative of how reversing and then building immigration policies after Trump leaves office is not a unilateral or remotely simple task. Every action has significant steps and restrictions, and Biden’s plan will evolve over time to continue upholding clear ideals. Despite all these restrictions, the basis of Biden’s policies prioritize the needs and safety of immigrants. This core aspect of all Biden’s plans and propositions is what makes the future for asylum seekers so hopeful.
Immigration is an essential aspect of the United States, and improving the lives of refugees is equally important to the fabric of this nation. The Trump administration created a closed off America, barring thousands of citizens around the world from the resources the US possesses. In the runup to his inauguration on January 20th, Biden has detailed a multifaceted approach to restoring America’s status as a refugee safe haven. Of course, the situation is complex, the nation is incredibly divided, and Biden will inevitably make unavoidable errors. However, the overarching principles that uphold Biden’s goals embody the path to a better life for refugees. Through raising the cap on accepted refugees unprecedented heights while abolishing the metering process, Biden shows his commitment to making the US accessible to many more asylum seekers. Biden’s firm stance on abolishing Remain in Mexico and his plans to restore asylum claims to include victims of domestic and gang violence ensures safety for a larger number of struggling people. The election of President Biden, a leader with genuine respect and empathy for refugees, is one that empowers people in need. Biden is a promise to return America to the central value of providing sanctuary for asylum seekers.