Thread by @AcereEleanor

There are ways to do this that could make the asylum system more humane, fair, timely & effective. But language in this plan signals steps to cut due process & use flawed expedited removal. If that is the case, the Biden admin needs to adjust course, and do this the former way.

https://twitter.com/Haleaziz/status/1398354662982520834

The last thing we need is yet another round of sacrificing due process and effective refugee protection decisions to try to send a deterrent message.

Who is the audience for that messaging and what is the goal?

Plus the fundamental problems still need to be fixed.

Any asylum system will break down when:
➡️chronically understaffed
➡️it rejects cases that merit protection due to pressures to process numbers, not grant, or bias
➡️Congress + the Trump admin added so many hurdles & requirements that cases take increasing amounts of time, &👇

➡️refugees without lawyers are doomed to be denied protection, as are some with lawyers given the gauntlet.

So must: end pressure to rush/deny, bias; adequately staff; fund legal rep; end Trump policies; undo excess barriers in law; and more.

Finally, @Haleaziz's piece says the new process could “provide a way" for the Biden admin "to move away” from using the Trump admin expulsion policy.

Is it the Biden admin view that it needs new processes that signal speed before it stops violating U.S. refugee law?

This country has the ability to uphold our refugee laws while we work to make our asylum system more humane, effective & fair.

We can and must uphold our values and #WelcomeWithDignity.