SILVER SPRING, Maryland – Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar in the Northern District of California ruled the Biden administration’s asylum ban illegal.  

“We welcome the decision by Judge Tigar, who indicated the asylum ban is arbitrary and capricious, and was issued without adequate opportunity for public comment,” said Anna Gallagher, executive director of CLINIC. “As we have said before, the right to seek asylum through a full and fair process, with dignity and respect, is a bedrock principle of international and domestic law. Any barriers to asylum that undermine the principles of U.S. law and Catholic social teaching with respect to migration, and fail to uphold due process, are contrary to the values we hold dear as a compassionate and just society." 

“Congress created asylum laws to ensure that refugees have a safe and welcoming place to call home,” said Elnora Bassey, policy attorney at CLINIC. “Judge Tigar’s ruling affirms that belief and our nation must uphold our laws with integrity and decency. The right to seek asylum should be offered to all who are eligible and should be done so with great dignity. It is the humane thing to do.” 

In the coming days, CLINIC will continue to analyze the ruling and update our Affiliate Network on best practices for those they serve.