IRC Donate☰ Central American asylum seekers Seeking safety at the border Crisis Watch Families escaping gang violence and persecution in Central America have undertaken a dangerous journey to seek safety in the United States, and now face the threat of COVID-19. People in danger have the right to request asylum in the U.S. without being criminalized, turned back, or separated from their children. IRC: President Biden must end policies that criminalize asylum seekers The Biden Administration is turning away asylum seekers at the southwest border, putting thousands of lives at risk. Earlier this year, the administration announced plans and blueprints with ambitious policy goals—but it has shown little progress toward building a fair and humane asylum system. “The Biden Administration has so far demonstrated a lack of will to dismantle a broken and brutal system exacerbated by the previous administration and replace it with a system centered on dignity and protection,” says director of immigration Olga Byrne The IRC calls on the Biden Administration to shift to a protection-forward, dignity-centered asylum system. Read our Oct. 19 statement Take action What you need to know Seeking asylum at the United States border is legal—even during a pandemic. People travel to the southern U.S. border to seek refuge, including from political turmoil and rampant violence in Central America. While Trump Administration policies have left behind a broken asylum system, President Joe Biden can take bold action to create a safe, orderly and fair system. Here’s what you need to know. Who are the people seeking safety at the U.S. border? Why are they heading to the U.S.? How did the Trump Administration change the asylum system? What can the Biden Administration do to help asylum seekers? How is the IRC helping? How can I help? SEE ALL News and features Seeking asylum What is happening at the U.S. southern border? Violence, climate change, rising poverty and COVID-19 are forcing thousands of people from Haiti, northern Central America and other places to flee their homes. Get the facts Taking action How IRC supporters have advocated for refugees this year Read the article Leadership during crisis Separated from her children, Rosa gives back to other migrants Read the article Los solicitantes de asilo ¿Qué está pasando en la frontera sur de Estados Unidos? Leer el artículo Crisis Watch How VP Harris and the U.S. can address the Central America migration crisis Learn more Related reports & resources Report 9 Humanitarian Goals for the Biden-Harris Administration’s First Year January 20, 2021 Resource IRC comment opposing harmful proposed changes to the U.S. asylum system July 15, 2020 SEE ALL REPORTS AND RESOURCES Related countries El Salvador Mexico Crisis Watch Who We Are Where We Work What We Do How To Help Latest Contact Us Donor Help Code of Conduct Ethics Hotline Our efficiency 87% Program services 8% Management & general 5% Fundraising Donate Join our mailing list Get the latest news about the IRC's innovative programs, compelling stories about our clients and how you can make a difference. Subscribe Follow us Global Affiliates: IRC UK Stichting Vluchteling Respecting Your Privacy Terms and Conditions International Rescue Committee is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN number 13-5660870. Copyright © International Rescue Committee, 2021 × Help us send emergency aid to Afghanistan and crisis zones worldwide.Donate now