FortLauderdale, FL—"At its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve the right tolife. The Attorney General's recent decision elicits deep concern because itpotentially strips asylum from many women who lack adequate protection. Thesevulnerable women will now face return to the extreme dangers of domesticviolence in their home country. This decision negates decades of precedentsthat have provided protection to women fleeing domestic violence. Unlessoverturned, the decision will erode the capacity of asylum to save lives,particularly in cases that involve asylum seekers who are persecuted by privateactors. We urge courts and policy makers to respect and enhance, not erode, thepotential of our asylum system to preserve and protect the right to life.

Additionally,I join Bishop Joe Vásquez, Chairman of USCCB's Committee on Migration, incondemning the continued use of family separation at the U.S./Mexico border asan implementation of the Administration's zero tolerance policy. Our governmenthas the discretion in our laws to ensure that young children are not separatedfrom their parents and exposed to irreparable harm and trauma. Families are thefoundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together. Whileprotecting our borders is important, we can and must do better as a government,and as a society, to find other ways to ensure that safety. Separating babiesfrom their mothers is not the answer and is immoral."

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Keywords:U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Spring General Assembly, DanielCardinal DiNardo, Galveston-Houston, Bishop Joe Vásquez, Committee on Migration,U.S./Mexico border, asylum, families, family separation, children, right tolife

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