A Breakdown on Migrant Rights  

Due to this, it can be hard for American citizens to fully understand why people leave their home countries, and seek to make a new home in the U.S. 

Migrants leave their countries for various reasons, often driven by a combination of push and pull factors. These include: 

• Economic hardships: lack of employment opportunities, poverty, and low wages in their home countries. 
• Political instability: oppression, corruption, and human rights abuses. People seek safety and the chance to live in a free and democratic society. 
• Armed conflicts and violence: ongoing wars, armed conflicts, and violence can force people to leave their homes in search of safety for themselves and their families. 
• Environmental challenges: natural disasters, climate change-induced disruptions, and environmental degradation can render regions uninhabitable and cause displacement. 
• Persecution: Some migrants and refugees leave their countries due to persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political beliefs, or membership in a particular social group. 
• Family reunification: In some cases, migrants and refugees may have family members who are already residing in the United States, and they seek to reunite with them. 

Amnesty International shares that in the U.S., “there are more than 4.5 million people seeking asylum who have left their country and are seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country, but who haven’t yet been legally recognized as a refugee and are waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim.” 

Advocacy organizations are calling for a change in new border policies that make it harder for immigration attorneys to help migrants establish their status as asylum seekers. This is separate from the millions seeking a place where to relocate as refugees.  

Refugees Worldwide  

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said that, as of June 2020, there are over 26 million refugees worldwide, and millions more are displaced within their own countries. This highlights the scale and urgency of the global refugee crisis. 

Once migrants seeking asylum and refugees arrive in the United States, they are afforded certain rights and protections based on humanitarian laws and the country's history as a nation of immigrants. Some of their rights include: 

Asylum and Refugee Protection: The United States provides asylum and refugee status to individuals who can demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in their home countries based on the above-mentioned factors. Asylum seekers and refugees are given legal protection and the opportunity to build new lives in the country. 

Non-Refoulement Principle: The principle of non-refoulement, derived from international law, prohibits the return of refugees or asylum seekers to a country where they would face persecution, torture, or threats to their life or freedom. 

Due Process and Fair Hearings: Immigrants, including asylum seekers, have the right to due process under the law. They are entitled to a fair hearing to present their case for asylum or refugee status before an immigration judge. 

Access to Human Services: Immigrants and refugees have access to certain human services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. 

Work Authorization: Asylum seekers are eligible to apply for work authorization while their asylum cases are pending, allowing them to support themselves financially. 

Protection Against Discrimination: Immigrants and refugees are protected against discrimination based on race, nationality, religion, or other protected characteristics. 

Supporting Migrants and Refugees  

Throughout U.S. history, immigrants have played a vital role in shaping the nation's culture, economy, and society. The United States has a tradition of offering refuge to those fleeing persecution and seeking a better life. Although political debates on immigration policy can sometimes shape the implementation of these rights and protections.  

New immigration policies have made it harder for migrants to seek asylum status and for refugees to expedite their processes to enter the U.S.  Balancing national security concerns with humanitarian values ensure the well-being of immigrants and maintains the U.S. legacy of humanitarian leadership alive.  

The information provided on www.onepercentforamerica.org is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for seeking professional guidance.