Refugee and Migrant Rights

Refugee. Asylum seeker. Migrant. Outcast. A miniscule amount of letters encasing the sheer potency to define beings who hold a precious life of their own - within their souls. Almost every day all around the globe - these same beings are face to face with their fate - deciding whether to leave their homes. Beyond just their label, are people who are just in search of a safer, better home - to provide for their families, and be within reach of life-changing opportunities; much like any other person on this planet. Yes, sure, we can all agree that our country does provide programs and services to try and help in these cases. However, it really is about time we come face to face with our fates; and be not only more aware about this issue we are so oblivious to - but in the position to take a leap and truly make a difference in our world today.

A few startling immoral instances where this prominent issue can be displayed is through the termination of the immigration policy Title 42. To put this in simpler terms, this policy is essentially a public health law - permitting the expulsion of migrants without following the proper immigration and asylum laws. Although they banned this law, what followed this action - is the true disturbance. As Amnesty International Organization states, following that termination of this policy - implemented new migration measures that continued to drastically limit access to asylum at the US-Mexico border such as an asylum ban, making it increasingly difficult to schedule vital asylum appointments. Not only were these appointments a growing reach, but they also resulted in asylum seekers to be stranded in inhumane conditions. There, they were prone to being targets of violence and racism, as well as the fact that the US and cities struggled to provide adequate shelters and services to these people who faced desperation. Yet another way in which our government ceased to see and grasp the true essence of what it means to help these amazing people - was when Congress didn’t vote on the Afghan Adjustment Act. This would have had the immense potential to provide pathways and guide Afghan evacuees to permanent residency status. Missed opportunities much like these cases have become increasingly prominent in our country today - and it is crucial to be aware so that we can realize our mistakes and work together for the greater good. 

In our world today, these people all around the world - with the “titles” of refugee, migrant, and outcast - are relying on us to step up and provide aid. Although it may not seem like too much of a huge deal to people who have the privilege and opportunity to live the lives they have, safely, many of us take this vital luxury for granted. If we truly come together, have the courage to put ourselves in their shoes, and see the problems that are glaring at us, we can have the power to make a difference, even if we progress slowly. So, whether you have family or friends whom you know are enduring this experience, if you are experiencing this yourself, or even if you have the passion and urge to do something to mend this injustice - being aware and standing up for what is right is all we truly need.

By Diya Hariharan