By Advocacy Groups Speak Out for Sri Lankan Nationals Facing Deportation from the U.S.
As the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensifies its crackdown on undocumented immigrants, thousands of Sri Lankan nationals face imminent deportation. In response, legal and advocacy groups have stepped up efforts to provide assistance, legal representation, and raise awareness about the challenges these individuals confront.
Sri Lankan Americans for Social Justice (SLASJ)
The Sri Lankan Americans for Social Justice (SLASJ) is a grassroots organization dedicated to addressing systemic inequities affecting Sri Lankan communities in the U.S. The group has been vocal about the need to challenge institutionalized racism and the often discriminatory policies of immigration enforcement. SLASJ encourages the Sri Lankan diaspora to actively engage in political processes, including voting, advocacy, and community education, to promote social justice and immigrant rights.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Legal Advocacy
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has played a key role in representing Sri Lankan asylum seekers in the U.S. immigration system. One of the most significant cases involved Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam, a Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seeker who was apprehended at the U.S.-Mexico border. The ACLU took his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing against expedited deportation procedures that bypass critical due process protections for asylum seekers. While the ruling ultimately favoured the government, the case underscored the precarious situation of asylum seekers and the risks of deportation without proper legal review.
Concerns Over Human Rights and Due Process
Legal experts and human rights organizations have raised concerns that Sri Lankans deported back to their home country could face persecution, particularly those linked to past political conflicts. The Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International have documented cases where deported asylum seekers were subjected to harassment, surveillance, and even imprisonment upon their return.
With over 3,065 Sri Lankans currently facing deportation orders, the fight for their rights and safety continues. Organizations like the SLASJ and ACLU are at the forefront of these efforts, advocating for a more just and humane immigration system.
