The browser you are using is not supported. Please consider using a modern browser.

Skip Navigation
Donate
Start of main content.

Press Release // Immigration and Asylum

America Can Never Put a Price on Freedom and Safety From Persecution

LIRS logo

LIRS Staff

April 30, 2019

Media Contact: Rebecca Heller | rheller@lirs.org | 410-230-2746

BALTIMORE, MD — In the most recent attack on asylum seekers, the Administration ordered new and unnecessary restrictions that would impose an application fee for asylum petitions and put limits on work permits for asylum seekers.

This most recent push to put a price on refuge is un-American. It cheapens our legacy of American freedoms and questions the very history of this country.

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President & CEO of LIRS

Federal law affords all individuals the legal right to seek asylum in the U.S., and this new proposal is likely to be challenged in the courts.

“LIRS will not waver in defending the basic human dignity of individuals seeking protection in the United States – on the border, as we offer safe haven and emergency support to families in need… and on Capitol Hill, as we continue to champion the rights of those we serve,” said Vignarajah.

Founded in 1939, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is one of the largest immigration and refugee resettlement agencies in the United States. LIRS is nationally recognized for its leadership working with and advocating for refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, immigrants in detention, families fractured by migration and other vulnerable populations. Through 80 years of service and advocacy, LIRS has helped over 500,000 migrants and refugees rebuild their lives in America.

The Latest

  • Press Release · Immigration and Asylum

    November 29, 2023

    LIRS Opposes Congressional Efforts to End Asylum Protections in Budget Negotiations

    As a bipartisan group of Senators continue negotiations on President Biden’s $106 billion funding request, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service urges lawmakers to safeguard critical asylum protections

    Read More

  • Press Release · Empowering Refugees

    November 20, 2023

    Overcoming Poverty and Raising Wages: “New American Cities” Workforce Development Program

    LIRS and Yoga Alliance will establish a pilot program that will incorporate yoga to help refugees and immigrants heal from the emotional trauma they experienced on their journeys to the United States.

    Read More

  • News · Immigration and Asylum

    November 10, 2023

    Unsung Heroes: Immigrants in the U.S. Military

    An estimated 700,000 foreign-born veterans call this country home, while approximately 45,000 immigrants are currently defending our freedoms as members of the armed forces.

    Read More

  • Press Release · Empowering Refugees

    November 9, 2023

    LIRS Partners with Yoga Alliance to Develop Innovative Mental Health Programming

    LIRS and Yoga Alliance will establish a pilot program that will incorporate yoga to help refugees and immigrants heal from the emotional trauma they experienced on their journeys to the United States.

    Read More

  • Press Release

    November 2, 2023

    LIRS Urges Pakistan to Halt Afghan Deportation Campaign

    Nearly 120,000 unaccompanied migrant children entered the U.S. government's shelter system in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. LIRS stresses the need for more robust protections, additional resources for post-release services, and access to legal representation

    Read More

Related Posts

Press Release · Immigration and Asylum

LIRS Opposes Congressional Efforts to End Asylum Protections in Budget Negotiations

November 29th

More

Press Release · Immigration and Asylum

LIRS Condemns DHS Decision to Resume Removals of Venezuelan Migrants to Venezuela

October 6th

More

Press Release · Immigration and Asylum

Biden Administration Extends, Redesignates Venezuela for TPS

September 24th

More

Share