STATEMENT: Ramirez Opposes DHS Proposed Rule to Raise Credible Fear Screening Threshold

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after the Biden Administration announced a proposed rule that would undermine the right to due process for people fleeing persecution. 

“The rule proposed by the Biden Administration undermines our nation’s commitment to care for asylum-seekers and those fleeing violence. If this rule is implemented, we risk sending thousands of people who may be eligible for asylum back to life-threatening situations. We must abandon this change NOW.

Credible fear screenings are already a flawed tool, often administered in immigration detention, before asylum-seekers access legal representation, after surviving unimaginable violence and trauma. Fast-tracking legal determinations during a flawed process is morally bankrupt and grossly irresponsible. It will increase wrongful deportations, violate our obligations under international law, and fail to make processing at our border more efficient. 

The proposed rule is a misguided attempt to appease Republicans at a time when what is needed is political courage and moral clarity. We committed to never send those fleeing violence back in harm’s way, and that is precisely what this rule would do. We must protect the right to asylum and defend asylum seekers.”