UN to Help US Screen Central Americans

We’re pleased to see the Administration recognize that Central Americans seeking safety in the U.S. is a refugee situation, understanding that we cannot and should not return these people to the danger they fled.

Secretary of State John Kerry announced the United Nations will help screen individuals from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras before they make what is now a perilous journey to the United States. Michelle Brané, director of the migrant rights and justice program issued the following statement:

We’re pleased to see the Administration recognize that Central Americans seeking safety in the U.S. is a refugee situation, understanding that we cannot and should not return these people to the danger they fled.

However, the truth remains that those fleeing violence and persecution often lack the luxury of registering with authorities. Many will have no choice but to run and ask for protection when they reach the border.

It is not illegal to cross international borders and request asylum. The presence of a formal refugee resettlement program does not negate our obligation to accept asylum-seekers at our borders.