Voters Support Allowing Access to Asylum at the Southern Border
By Sabrina Jacobs
In 2022, over 25,000 people were granted asylum to remain in the United States. Individuals are eligible for asylum if they’re leaving their country to escape war, violence, or persecution, and they can apply by appearing at the U.S. southern border.
The restrictive immigration policy Title 42 has complicated the process, as it allowed asylum seekers to be turned away at the border on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The rule was implemented in March 2020 and it expired in May 2023. Following Title 42’s expiration, the United States returned to and expanded on its previous border policy known as Title 8. Under Title 8, migrants who are deported cannot reenter the United States for five years.
Despite the hard-line policy, Data for Progress finds 55 percent of voters believe the government should allow people to apply for asylum by presenting themselves at the southern border. This includes 77 percent of Democrats, 55 percent of Independents, and 34 percent of Republicans. Furthermore, 62 percent of voters under 45 and 65 percent of Black voters believe people should be allowed to seek asylum at the southern border.
According to U.S. law, people seeking asylum have the right to appear at the southern border and request protection from the conditions they’re escaping in their home countries. It’s crucial that the government establishes safe and dignified pathways for people seeking safety. Voters clearly agree that people should be able to seek asylum at the southern border.
Sabrina Jacobs (@bri_jacobs) is a staff writer at Data for Progress.