Jean-Pierre was a human rights activist in West Africa. He suffered torture in Guinea, several stints in jail, and even a forced ransom. Sadly, his story doesn't end there. Coming to the United States last year to seek refuge, he instead found himself yet again in prison - jailed after requesting this country's protection from persecution.


We need your help to urge reform for those like Jean-Pierre. You have a voice; they - imprisoned - need your voices. Write to the Department of Homeland Security. Ask them to improve the treatment of asylum-seekers! In five seconds (and two clicks), you can stand up for asylum-seekers who are jailed and deprived of basic due process protections.


In my twelve years fighting for refugee protection, I've met many refugees who have fled from persecution only to be jailed after arriving in this country, but the flawed U.S. detention system has expanded dramatically in recent years. I have visited some of these immigration jails and they are prisons in every sense of the word. As Jean-Pierre said in a New York Times article last week, "They handcuffed me like a criminal and gave me a uniform. That was devastating and stressful. It was like reliving my jail in Guinea."


Our pro bono attorneys helped Jean-Pierre win asylum last year, but there are countless others who are still in jail, waiting to make their case. Our recently released report shows how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can improve the system - by adding some basic safeguards and ending the use of facilities modeled on prisons. Sign on to our letter today to tell the DHS that you want reform!


DHS officials have told us they are reviewing the system, but please help increase the pressure for a meaningful set of reforms.


Each year Human Rights First helps hundreds of asylum seekers by providing pro bono legal representation and other assistance.  But let's not pass up this opportunity to ensure policy reform to help those who seek this country's protection from persecution - please, write the Department of Homeland Security today.


Thanks!


Source: Human Rights Campaign