Washington, DC – Today Congressman Al Green (TX-9) voted against H.R. 418, the Real ID Act, which recycled numerous controversial provisions that were rejected from the Intelligence Reform Act adopted two months ago. This bill contains a provision that would tighten U.S. asylum laws to make it more difficult to obtain asylum.

This bill heightens evidentiary standards for all asylum applicants, not just those who are threats to national security. In fact, a refugee could be denied asylum due to a failure to track down evidence that corroborates his asylum claim even if obtaining a particular document would put the refugee in danger. The bill goes even further by restricting judicial review of denials of asylum claims that are based on an applicant failure to provide such evidence.

“Asylum laws have served our country well for many years. What my Republican colleagues have proposed and what has unfortunately passed the House only serves to further isolate America and diminish our image as a place of sanctuary for those seeking refuge from persecution.

The tragedy of 9-11 had nothing to do with terrorist exploiting our asylum laws. In fact, they came with visas in hand,” said Green.

“So I ask, why are we tightening U.S. asylum laws at a time when more and more are fleeing their homelands from religious and political persecution. Such drastic measures will ultimately deny people of all nations – including Europe and especially Africa and Asia – legitimate entry into this country.

Green continued, “As self-proclaimed champions of moral values, today my Republican colleagues have compromised one of our nation’s most cherished principles – to provide a safe haven for those seeking refuge.

“This bill is the first step towards extinguishing the flame of Lady Liberty and contradicts these powerful words etched in her sole, ‘give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe freedom.’”