Dear President Trump, Let’s Let Asylum Seekers Eat

CBP Office of Air and Marine Rescue Undocumented Immigrants

This month, the United States will welcome a new president who has been vocal in his staunch opposition to immigration. If I could share my thoughts with him on one critical issue, I would say this:

Many lawful immigrants express strong disapproval of those who enter the country illegally. Among some, there is also a sense of resentment or distrust toward asylum seekers. In immigration-focused forums, a recurring narrative emerges—an impression that asylum seekers are often viewed as under qualified individuals exploiting a system for which they are unprepared. For instance, critics frequently cite incidents in New York where some immigrants are depicted as demanding food and shelter, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and fueling a divisive debate.

A significant portion of legal immigrants tends to lean toward fiscal conservatism, holding a firm belief in self-reliance. They argue that the government that admitted them owes them nothing further. While this perspective is understandable, it risks oversimplifying the nuanced responsibilities of a first-world government. The idea that the government owes nothing to anyone, especially vulnerable populations, overlooks the complexity of societal obligations and the challenges inherent in managing immigration.

As an American, I don’t interpret the strain on food pantries and shelters caused by asylum seekers as evidence that immigrants are inherently problematic. Nor do I believe these struggles signify that such individuals should not be here. Instead, I view them as glaring symptoms of systemic failure within our immigration processes—a failure to address the realities faced by asylum seekers and to offer viable solutions.

Consider the situation of lawful asylum seekers who arrive at our borders or apply through affirmative channels. These individuals face immense barriers: they cannot work, lack Social Security numbers, cannot open bank accounts, and are ineligible for loans or government assistance in most states. Even the right to work requires a 180-day waiting period, and asylum adjudications often take anywhere from two to seven years due to an overwhelming backlog. It’s no surprise that many find themselves turning to shelters for basic necessities. Without legal avenues to support themselves, how can we expect them to thrive—or even survive?

While rhetoric like "Don’t come illegally" might resonate politically, it does nothing to solve the systemic issues at hand. Illegal entry will persist as long as the system is broken. Meanwhile, we ignore the plight of lawful asylum seekers who play by the rules yet face impossible odds. If we deny these individuals the means to support themselves while simultaneously condemning their reliance on shelters, what exactly do we expect them to do?

The current system is clearly broken. Fixing it requires more than soundbites; it demands meaningful reform that acknowledges the realities faced by asylum seekers and provides humane, practical solutions. A government committed to integrity and justice must act to address these failures, ensuring that those who seek refuge are not condemned to a cycle of desperation. If we truly value fairness and opportunity, this is a challenge we cannot afford to ignore.