Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) is deeply concerned by the federal government's interim final rule to eliminate the 30-day notice period currently provided to refugees facing termination of their refugee status.
“People whose lives may be at risk deserve a fair opportunity to be heard before the protections they depend on are taken away,” said Kristyn Peck, LSSNCA CEO.
Refugee status may be terminated if the government determines that a person was not eligible for refugee status at the time of admission, including because the person did not meet the legal definition of a refugee or because material facts were misrepresented or omitted. Because termination has life or death consequences, refugees must have adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to respond to these allegations of fraud or legal insufficiency.
“Thirty days is already a short period for someone to understand a potentially life-altering government notice, find qualified legal representation, gather records and supporting evidence, obtain documents that may be overseas, secure translations, and prepare a response,” Peck said. “Eliminating that window could deprive refugees of a meaningful opportunity to defend the very status that allowed them to rebuild their lives in safety.”
LSSNCA urges the administration to preserve meaningful notice and due process for refugees facing termination of their status. America's commitment to protecting people fleeing persecution is measured not only by whether we open our doors to those seeking safety, but also by whether we uphold fairness, dignity, and justice once they are here.
