“Meet the Moment” – LIRS Statement on the Importance of Restoring Asylum

Contact: Timothy Young | tyoung@lirs.org | 443-257-6310

Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday afternoon, the Department of Homeland Security released its plan to restore asylum after the May 23 termination of Title 42. The plan has six pillars: surge resources; increase efficiency to reduce strain on the border; employ an aggressive consequence regime; bolster the capacity of NGOs and partner with state and local partners; go after cartels and smugglers; and work with our regional partners.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is dedicated to welcoming all who seek safety at our southern border and beyond. We are ready and eager to support asylum seekers, including through our newly launched Welcome Centers, which provide wraparound case management services to otherwise-unserved immigrants.

In response to the announcement of the plan, Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service said:

“We face a moment of unspeakable violence and persecution that is forcing people from around the world to flee their homes at an unprecedented rate—a fact laid bare by the war in Ukraine, as well as perilous conditions from Afghanistan to El Salvador.

“Seeking asylum and protection is a right under both U.S. and international law for people of all nationalities, skin tones, religions, and political affiliations. At LIRS, one of the largest faith-based organizations serving refugees and immigrants in the U.S., we stand ready to serve those who seek safety within our borders. In a political atmosphere of scarcity and suspicion rather than abundance and compassion, our supporters have shown an incredible outpouring of love, grace, and generosity. We must meet this moment.

“The administration’s intent to surge capacity to the border and coordinate with non-governmental organizations that support immigrants are critical steps toward respecting the right to seek asylum. We cannot allow unsubstantiated public health claims and fearmongering to be weaponized in support of anti-immigrant, xenophobic objectives—in Congress or beyond. It is vital that a restored asylum system recognizes the dignity of all people and fulfills our moral and legal obligations to those fleeing persecution.”