Hillary Clinton criticized President Trump’s reported idea to charge people who are claiming asylum a fee to start the process.
“Seeking asylum is a human right,” Clinton tweeted on Wednesday. “We shouldn’t charge fees to people who are fleeing persecution and violence.”
Seeking asylum is a human right. We shouldn’t charge fees to people who are fleeing persecution and violence.
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, but first give us $50?” No. https://t.co/a8sIEChgk7
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 1, 2019
CNN reported the idea is part of a memo outlining proposed major changes to how people claim asylum to enter the United States. In addition to the fee, Trump instructed Attorney General William Barr and Acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan to settle asylum applications within 180 days of filing and to also charge a fee for work permit applications.
Asylum-seekers request sanctuary from another country, usually because of extreme violence in their home country.
Trump gave the two departments 90 days to develop the proposals.
Trump’s memo comes as U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are apprehending large groups of immigrants at alarming rates. Border Patrol agents announced they had arrested a group of 424 people who illegally crossed into New Mexico early Tuesday morning.
LARGEST GROUP APPREHENDED—#BorderPatrol agents apprehended the largest group of 424 illegal aliens just after midnight this morning in Sunland Park, NM. A second group of 230 illegal aliens was also apprehended in Antelope Wells, NM this morning. More: https://t.co/54XxK78XB2 pic.twitter.com/i5owidRi1t
— CBP (@CBP) April 30, 2019
CBP said a second group of 230 people illegally crossed the border and surrendered themselves in the El Paso sector hours later.
