In response to the end of Title 42 and the publication of the new asylum ban to be implemented starting on May 11 of this year, Abby Maxman, President & CEO of Oxfam America, made the following statement:
“We at Oxfam America have fought the illegal and inhumane Title 42 policy alongside our partners since it was first introduced. As this policy that harmed millions of people expires, we wish we were celebrating a return to a rights-based immigration policy that complies with our laws and upholds the dignity of people seeking safety in the United States.
“But rather than fulfill his promise to build a humane immigration system, President Biden is instead erecting new barriers to safety for people fleeing persecution. The administration has chosen to implement a xenophobic and misguided asylum ban that will shut the door on countless refugees seeking protection in the United States—and it will cost lives.
“This new policy is nothing more than a rebranding of the harmful and racist policies of the Trump administration, which forced so many people and families, including children, into harm’s way. It’s immoral and shameful.
“We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: Seeking asylum is a legal and human right—one that must not depend on which country you flee, the path of your journey to the United States, or your manner of entry.
“Policies that seek to deter and punish are only effective at ratcheting up suffering. They are not only ineffective at creating a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system; they also fail to address the reasons people are forced to flee. This nation can and must welcome those who come to our country in search of safety.
“Oxfam America is in solidarity with all people seeking asylum and will work with them and on their behalf to ensure that President Biden keeps his promise to ‘reassert America’s commitment to asylum seekers and refugees.’”