The Trump administration created a moral catastrophe and a huge mess at the U.S.-Mexico border and in the region south of the border. This has come at a terrible cost — to refugees, to their families in America, and to the kind of nation we tell ourselves and the world we are.
In stark contrast, the incoming Biden Administration is advancing a smart, workable and humane approach to Central America migration, one that is rooted in our values and recognizes that while this phenomenon affects our border, it does not start at our border. In a recent interview Ambassador Rice and Jake Sullivan detailed their vision, indicating that the administration will:
- Address root causes so migration is a choice, not a necessity
- Expand lawful pathways through refugee resettlement, work visas and family reunification and
- Develop a functional and fair asylum process, including case management programs rather than mass detention
Here are some of the internet’s best responses and explanations to these plans:
President-elect Biden has a transformative vision for establishing a fair, humane, and orderly immigration system. The situation at the border will not transform overnight. It will take months to resolve, but we're committed to addressing it in full. https://t.co/IYB23ntlRD
— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) December 21, 2020
El presidente electo Biden tiene una visión transformativa para establecer un sistema de inmigración justo, humano y ordenado. La situación en la frontera no cambiará de la noche a la mañana. Tomará meses para resolverse, pero estamos comprometidos a abordarlo en su totalidad. https://t.co/tP2hvyeeaD
— Susan Rice (@AmbassadorRice) December 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/leedsgarcia/status/1341410240802254850
Details are still scarce on how exactly the Biden admin would move forward on these pledges. Transition official conceded they have an "enormous challenge" before them, "because the current administration broke so many things." https://t.co/0P0BzX5GCO
— Priscilla Alvarez (@priscialva) December 22, 2020
NEW: Biden transition officials said that policy transformation at the border won't happen 'overnight' but that the situation will change on day 1, namely that asylum claims will be processed at ports.
They say to expect a gradual ramp up, beginning w/ the most vulnerable 1st.
— Hamed Aleaziz (@Haleaziz) December 22, 2020
The new Administration will face the difficult but essential work of rebuilding an asylum system that is welcoming, fair, humane, and orderly. We stand ready to help find solutions – and to ensure they stay true to their commitment to uphold the legal right to asylum. (6/6)
— Lorella Praeli (@lorellapraeli) December 22, 2020
It already *is* a chaotic mess. Would be hard for it to be any worse. And the ONLY reason it’s even been working at all is because of the heroic, life saving work of NGOs thus far. Would follow border NGOs into any crisis. https://t.co/IPa0Gq3qkw
— Jess Morales Rocketto (@JessLivMo) December 22, 2020
This is the only realistic/humane way to rebuild a system whose infrastructure has been eviscerated, standards have been mangled, culture has rewarded cruelty, while in middle of a pandemic. No magic wands – urgent commitment to humane, fair process is the only way forward. https://t.co/0CEdetUJjS
— Marshall Fitz (@marshallfitz) December 22, 2020
We’re increasingly hearing the Biden team talk about their vision for a “fair, humane, and orderly immigration system.”
Earlier this year I wrote briefly about what similar terms—fair, humane, and workable—could mean. /1 https://t.co/gaKmFpEcKU
— Tom Jawetz (@TomJawetz) December 22, 2020
Some key quotes, takeaways: Biden-Harris “have a transformative vision for addressing migration in our region and establishing a fair, humane, and orderly immigration system." This is what policy experts, think tanks and activists have long argued for. Music to my ears. /2
— Frank Sharry (@FrankSharry) December 22, 2020
All legal/policy/humanitarian experts I consult agree: there need to be *more* ways, not less, to give people a chance both to seek asylum & come to US legally (if not permanently) to work. Regional processing helps w this. Language used by Biden team is good in this regard. 4/
— Jonathan Blitzer (@JonathanBlitzer) December 22, 2020
Trump's immigration approach was based on cruelty, chaos, and destruction. While Biden is inheriting an enormous challenge, he has a vision to rebuild a fair and humane system. pic.twitter.com/3pWGmqXIJm
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) December 22, 2020
The work to restore safe asylum processing at the border will start right away, but it will take time. We will also begin implementing a long-term approach that will support better governance and greater opportunity and security in the region. https://t.co/pL93tzzm0i
— Jake Sullivan (@jakejsullivan) December 21, 2020