Playing Politics with Asylum Seekers’ Human Rights

On Monday, the Trump Administration issued its latest provocative order to restrict entry to the U.S:  charging asylum seekers an application fee.

The UN High Commissioner on Refugees reacted on Tuesday, stating succinctly that “[s]eeking asylum is a fundamental human right.” and “people shouldn’t be charged financially to exercise that right.” 

While the number of asylum seekers in the US has risen in recent months, it still represents a tiny number relative to the US population.  In 2018, approximately 65,000 individuals applied for asylum, with applications ultimately granted in about 40% of the cases. 

And of course, charging a fee is really just a way to deny asylum without the paperwork.  Refugees and asylum seekers are by definition fleeing violence and persecution, and seldom have access to funds.  As one Boston practitioner told NBC news, “I have clients who come to my office who haven’t eaten, many unable to make rent for their families or staying with church members or friends, hoping they’ll stay in their good graces.  I have clients who are so deeply traumatized, they are diagnosed with [post-traumatic stress disorder], depression, anxiety and panic attacks, it’s hard for them to leave their home, let alone work, because of the trauma and persecution they suffered in their countries.” 

One step at a time, but steadily day by day, the current Administration is abandoning any pretense of valuing human rights, either as a legal or moral issue.  Charging for asylum is not only morally reprehensible, compounding human suffering, but would also violate US legal obligations under international treaty law.  And even more reprehensible is that it is really all about politics — energizing Trump’s “base” in anticipation of the next election.