Michael Haas

Tonight a seriously incorrect statement was uttered, subscribing to the bias of the Trump administration. The falsehood was that persons claiming asylum have crossed the border illegally, The truth is that anyone claiming asylum who enters a border of the United States does so legally. Asylum seeking is an international right, and the United States has ratified the treaty that says so. When 25,000 Cubans ended up on the shores of Florida seeking asylum in 1980, none were charged with illegal entry. However, if someone crosses the border NOT seeking asylum, they would be guilty of illegal entry unless they go to "ports of entry." You have mixed up the two situations, and the Trump administration is doubtless happy that you have done so.