The Workers Circle urges the Biden Administration to protect asylum-seekers and welcome immigrants.

May 11, 2023

In light of the end of Title 42 and the new asylum rule issued by the Biden Administration, Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle, released this statement:

Today, Title 42 ends. This reprehensible policy initiated under the pretense of protecting public health, closed our borders to those seeking to exercise their legal right to seek asylum in the United States. The Workers Circle opposed this policy along with our allies in the immigrant rights community.

Shamefully, the Biden Administration has just announced a new rule that places barriers for asylum seekers that are akin to Trump-era policies. The rule presumes that people who do not use “conventional pathways to migration”—often impossible for those fleeing persecution and violence — are ineligible for asylum.

Under the new rule, opposed by the Workers Circle, families seeking asylum will be put under home curfew with GPS tracking and will be immediately deported if they fail an initial screening. This policy flies in the face of international human rights laws and endangers those fleeing for safety.

We are also deeply distressed by the further militarization of the southern border with the deployment of military troops despite the contention that they will be used for administrative tasks. Policies that abridge the human rights of immigrants and military deployment that implies they are a threat, contribute to anti-immigrant hatred and make it more difficult to reform our immigration system.

As an organization founded by Eastern European Jewish immigrants, the Workers Circle understands that immigration strengthens our nation. We urge the Biden Administration and state and local governments to implement policies that welcome immigrants and refugees and allow them access to the healthcare, food, and other essentials all families need in order to thrive.

About the Workers Circle

Founded 123 years ago, the Workers Circle (formerly known as the Workmen’s Circle) is a social justice organization that powers progressive Jewish identity through Jewish cultural engagement, Yiddish language learning, multigenerational education, and social justice activism. For over a century we have provided this 360-degree approach to Jewish identity-building. Through contemporary cultural programs, strategic social justice campaigns, vibrant Yiddish language classes, interactive educational experiences and more, we connect Jewish adults, kids and families of all affiliations with their cultural heritage, working to build a better and more beautiful world for all. Learn more at www.circle.org.