AILA Calls on Biden Administration to Help Those Displaced By Recent Violence in Middle East

WASHINGTON, DC – The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) calls on the Biden Administration to move immediately to support the safety of all people affected by the recent violence in the Middle East.

The loss of life and harm from the horrific attacks this past weekend and the escalating violence in Israel and the Palestinian Territories is heartbreaking. We unequivocally condemn the recent attacks by Hamas, and call for an end to all acts of violence that bring harm to innocent civilians. No cause can justify the intentional targeting of innocent people.

AILA calls on the Biden Administration to demand protection for those fleeing violence, to immediately ensure that those in harm’s way who may be eligible to come to the United States may safely and expeditiously do so, and to ensure that we do not send people back to immediate danger. Further, we urge the Biden Administration to offer deferred action, humanitarian parole, or Temporary Protected Status for those already in the United States until it is safe to return home, and immediately implement a temporary moratorium on removals to areas directly impacted by the violence and conflict. Finally, for anyone from the area already navigating an immigration process through the Department of Homeland Security, Justice Department, or Department of State, we urge that deadlines should be suspended, and other allowances be made.

We specifically recognize our AILA members in the region and those who have personal connections or family in the affected areas. Their strength, resilience, and commitment to the values we uphold, even in the face of such adversity, are inspiring. Our thoughts are with them, and we are deeply committed to supporting them.