Groups Ask Biden to Stop Detaining Asylum Seekers at US Guantanamo Bay Facility
- More than a hundred organizations are advocating for the closure of a migrant processing facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
- The facility has been criticized for inhumane conditions and indefinite detention of asylum seekers, particularly Haitians and Cubans.
- Advocates argue that the U.S. should process asylum seekers within its borders, reflecting broader systemic issues in immigration policy.
In October 2024, over a hundred organizations urged the Biden administration to close a migrant processing facility at the U.S. Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This facility has been used to detain asylum seekers, particularly Haitians and Cubans, intercepted at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard. The International Refugee Assistance Project and the Haitian Bridge Alliance led the initiative, citing inhumane conditions and lack of legal protections for detainees. They argue that the indefinite detention of asylum seekers violates their rights and that the U.S. should process these individuals within its borders instead. The call to action comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Haiti, exacerbated by violence and hunger, prompting fears of mass migration. The Dominican Republic's decision to deport thousands of Haitians weekly has further intensified these concerns, leading to increased risks for those attempting to flee by sea. Advocates emphasize the need for humane treatment and legal representation for asylum seekers, highlighting the historical context of Guantanamo's use for detaining vulnerable populations. They argue that the current practices reflect a broader pattern of anti-immigrant sentiment and systemic issues within U.S. immigration policy. The situation remains critical as organizations continue to push for policy changes that prioritize the rights and safety of migrants seeking refuge from persecution.