San Diego Rapid Response Network Statement Re: Asylum Claim Policy Change
The San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) is appalled by the federal government’s decision to dramatically limit asylum seekers’ ability to enter the U.S. via Mexico. We believe that disrupting the asylum process because of an asylum seekers’ country of origin undermines our nation’s founding principles and turns away individuals and families seeking safety, freedom and hope.

We expect that this policy change will be immediately challenged in court.

Jewish Family Service’s Migrant Family Shelter continues to assist asylum seeking families as they are granted entry into the U.S.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) operates the Migrant Family Shelter, a waypoint shelter, that has assisted more than 17,000 individuals, all asylum-seeking families who have been initially processed and released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. The shelter was first formed in late October 2018 with partners in the SDRRN.

In addition to shelter, Jewish Family Service of San Diego on behalf of the SDRRN provides legal services to individuals and families, including those affected by the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP, commonly referred to as “Remain in Mexico”), a policy that forces asylum seekers to return to and remain in Mexico to await their immigration court date in the U.S.. While in Mexico, asylum seekers do not have access to resources or counsel, and their welfare is significantly compromised. Previously, these families were allowed to come into the U.S., where they could access services at Jewish Family Service’s Migrant Family Shelter, including shelter, food, clothing, health services, legal aid and assistance with making travel arrangements to connect with their loved ones or sponsors across the country.

To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit www.rapidresponsesd.org.

About the San Diego Rapid Response Network
The San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) is a coalition of human rights and service organizations, attorneys, and community leaders dedicated to aiding immigrants and their families in the San Diego border region. Core SDRRN partners include the ACLU Foundation of San Diego & Imperial Counties, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, SEIU Local 221 and San Diego Organizing Project.

Individuals may call SDRRN’s 24-hour emergency hotline, should they or someone they know be experiencing an immigration emergency (e.g. raid, arrest, checkpoint and/or harassment): 619-536-0823.

For non-emergency immigration legal assistance inquiries, local immigrants are encouraged to call SDRRN’s pro bono legal assistance line: 858-637-3365.

For more information, donate or to volunteer, www.rapidresponsesd.org.