Authorize more judges to process asylum cases

Under U.S. and international law, asylum-seekers have the right to present themselves at the U.S. border and request an asylum hearing.

It is vicious and dishonest to prevent asylum-seekers from doing so. It disgraces our nation, which in the past has welcomed immigration and honored international law. The asylum-seekers are fleeing lifethreatening violence and economic hardship, conditions that are due at least partially, but probably largely, to the present and past policies of the United States. Prevented from entering the United States legally, these men, women and children have to live in squalid conditions on the Mexican side of the border.

Our congressional representatives and our U.S. senators should make public statements immediately condemning the Trump administration’s illegal, immoral and dangerous actions and should pursue legislation authorizing more judges to hear the petitions for asylum and to process the asylum-seekers in good faith and as rapidly as possible. — Sandra Drake, Menlo Park