As an Ethiopian who has felt the pain and suffering of my people, I am compelled to raise this issue. The atrocities committed against thousands of Amharas in Ethiopia have left deep scars on our community. We believe that Bekele Gerba, a man currently seeking asylum at USCIS, is directly responsible for these acts through his initiation of genocide via hate speech.

Bekele Gerba's words have not only incited violence but also led to widespread fear and division among our communities. His actions contradict the principles upon which asylum is granted - protection from persecution rather than a platform for perpetuating it.

The United Nations defines genocide as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. This definition encompasses not only physical violence but also mental harm and conditions leading to physical destruction (United Nations General Assembly Resolution 260). In this light, we firmly believe that Bekele Gerba's actions fall under this category.

We urge USCIS to consider the impact granting asylum would have on victims still reeling from their trauma and on broader efforts towards reconciliation within Ethiopia. It is crucial that those responsible for such heinous crimes are held accountable rather than being offered sanctuary.

Please sign this petition urging USCIS to halt the processing of Bekele Gerba's application for asylum due to his involvement in initiating genocide against Amhara in Ethiopia, which is active.