Families escaping gang violence and persecution in Central America are undertaking a dangerous journey to seek safety in the US. 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.
Families are traveling to the US to escape rampant gang violence including extortion, kidnapping, and murder in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. It is one of the most dangerous regions in the world for women and members of the LGBTQI+ community. Upon arrival, some folks are being transported to other cities by state and local governments without their consent, causing asylum-seekers to be lost, confused, and disconnected from humanitarian services in the destinations they have been sent to.
In the U.S., the IRC will continue to help meet asylum-seekers' basic needs, facilitate family reunifications, connect people to critical legal services, and help them access mental health and medical support. In El Salvador, the IRC is providing emergency assistance to help those who are most at risk find shelter and safety and to rebuild their lives. We have also launched CuentaNos, an interactive service that provides trustworthy, protection information for families affected by this crisis.
You can help us continue this lifesaving work supporting those in need at the U.S. southern border and around the world by donating directly to this cause today. Together, we can provide relief and restore a measure of safety for families fleeing crisis. Your gift will be used when and where it's most needed.
