The Hill News

In 2001, Sara*, a young Sri Lankan woman fled her home after being captured and tortured by members of the military. While attempting to reunite with family in Canada, she passed through a United States border checkpoint. After telling authorities of the horrors and persecution she was fleeing, she was then taken into immigration custody under a law that requires the detention of asylum seekers who arrive at U.S. borders and prohibits immigration judges from ordering release. Sara spent more than four years in an immigration detention center fighting to prove her asylum claim. She won and was eventually released.  

Sara’s story is not unique. Under existing law, each year thousands of asylum seekers, refugees and stateless persons who have sought safe haven in the United States are detained. Seeking protection is not a crime, nor should it be penalized. Like Sara, circumstances beyond their control prevent their return home. Their situation calls for protect! ion, not punishment and shelter, not imprisonment. 

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