What is AIUSAs central message about asylum seekers?
A. The issue involves both RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES. The United States has a RIGHT to control its borders and regulate immigration as it sees fit. Persons have the RIGHT to seek asylum here. The United States has the RESPONSIBILITY under international law: 1) to allow asylum seekers access to a fair determination system, and 2) not to return people to a country where they have a well-founded fear of persecution based on their race, religion, political opinion, membership in a social group, or nationality. The US does have legislation and regulations which guarantee certain levels of protection from return to a dangerous situation in another country. Individuals have the right to asylum in the US or can be given a stay of deportation if they can prove a well-founded fear of past persecution or the likelihood of future persecution if returned to their country. However, many refugees whom AI believes may be in danger if returned to their countries, are not given asylum even when there
