Refugees

Amnesty International USA's Refugee Program advocates for the rights of asylum-seekers in the United States, and for the humane and dignified treatment of refugees and migrants worldwide.

The Iraq Displacement Crisis

Approximately 2.5 million refugees are struggling to survive outside Iraq. Forced to flee because they follow a disfavored religion, were born into a marginalized minority, or agreed to work on behalf of the U.S., many of these refugees have no access to housing, health care or education. Although many of the refugees had temporary permission to remain in Jordan or Syria, they have now overstayed their visas. The refugees live in constant fear of being returned to Iraq, where they face death threats and worse. Many have already lost spouses, parents, children and siblings to kidnappings and executions. Learn more on the Iraq displacement crisis

While there are many vulnerable people both inside and outside of Iraq, Palestinian refugees have been one of the groups hardest hit by the violence that has wracked Iraq since 2003, specifically targeted by militias due to their perceived preferential treatment under the previous regime. Unlike millions of others who have been able to flee the country however, large numbers of Palestinians are stuck, refused access to Syria and Jordan. This includes those stranded in the Al-Tanf camp.

Amnesty International delegates visited the Al-Tanf camp in March 2008 to highlight the appalling situation facing those who have been trapped there. As well as documenting their plight, Amnesty international is also calling on governments and individuals to take action. This includes resettling those individuals who are most at risk, like those in Al-Tanf.

To describe somewhere as one of the worst refugee camps in the world is never a claim to be made lightly. Sadly, the extremely harsh conditions in the Al-Tanf camp ensure the Palestinian refuges living there can justifiably lay claim to this dubious honor. You can learn about Amnesty's mission to the camp in Al-Tanf Camp: Trauma Continues for Palestinians Fleeing Iraq.

AI's Concerns

Human Rights Goals

Promote the Right to Seek Asylum: Asylum seekers need access to full and fair asylum procedures. They are often prevented from having their refugee claims heard because of legal and physical restrictions and procedural obstacles. AIUSA helps selected individual asylum seekers by providing human rights documentation and analysis in support of their claims. AIUSA also advocates for policies that promote the right to seek asylum in the United States.

Prevent Arbitrary Detention of Asylum Seekers: Virtually all asylum seekers apprehended at U.S. borders are subjected to lengthy detention regardless of their individual circumstances. AIUSA calls on immigration officials to release from detention asylum seekers who represent no danger to the community and who are likely to appear at their hearings. We also document and report on abusive conditions of detention for asylum seekers and advocate for humane treatment.

Stop Forced Return of Refugees: Virtually all asylum seekers apprehended at U.S. borders are subjected to lengthy detention regardless of their individual circumstances. AIUSA calls on immigration officials to release from detention asylum seekers who represent no danger to the community and who are likely to appear at their hearings. We also document and report on abusive conditions of detention for asylum seekers and advocate for humane treatment.
Read more about Haitians trapped by 'War on Terror.' »
Learn more about mass deportations from Malaysia. »

Provide Protection to Especially Vulnerable Groups: AIUSA works on behalf of refugees fleeing gender-related or sexual-orientation human rights violations, and seeks changes in refugee law and procedures to recognize such claims. AIUSA also seeks to end selective enforcement of immigration laws based on race and religion. The Refugee Program particularly seeks to prevent children from being placed unnecessarily in immigration detention or from being inadequately represented in immigration courts.
Read more about children in detention. »

Support Asylum Seekers with Human Rights Information: AIUSA's Refugee Program helps hundreds of asylum seekers every year by providing them with documentation of the dangers awaiting them in their homelands. This information can be used in immigration court to verify their need for refuge. Most of the asylum seekers helped by AIUSA are in detention and do not have lawyers.
Contact the Refugee Program. »

Advocate for Humane Treatment of Refugees and Migrants: AIUSA tries to influence refugee policy internationally by promoting international responsibility sharing, humane levels of international humanitarian assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons, and seeking safe conditions of asylum and durable solutions for refugees. AI advocates with governments worldwide to uphold the human rights and dignity of all migrants.