WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to today’s Supreme Court decision in Department of Homeland Security v. Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam, Katharina Obser, senior policy advisor in the Migrant Rights and Justice Program at the Women’s Refugee Commission, issued the following statement:

“The process of ‘expedited removal’ that was enacted by Congress in 1996, expanded in 2004, and that the Trump administration is currently trying to dramatically further expand, has long been profoundly harmful and unjust in denying many seeking refuge at U.S. borders the ability to have their day in court before being summarily returned to harm.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision will have lasting, horrific consequences for thousands of women, men, and families seeking safety in the United States. That it was reached in part by relying on outdated, politicized, and inaccurate data of an asylum system whose safeguards have been systematically dismantled under this administration is even more disturbing.

The Supreme Court’s decision will unquestionably put people’s lives in danger and undermines both foundational principles of fairness and due process, as well as our obligations toward those fleeing harm.”

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