Save Mothers and Children From Extreme Violence

Already 280 women and children have been deported from the Artesia Family Residential Center in New Mexico. Most were sent back to extreme violence in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.

One such case involves a mother who fled El Salvador with her 10-month-old son. Before fleeing her country she was given an ultimatum from a local gang — 48 hours to leave, be killed, or comply and become an informant on rival gang activities. Upon arrival in the U.S. she and her baby were detained in New Mexico, only to be placed on a fast-track to deportation. Her individual case was not properly considered as due process was essentially thrown out the window.

It's women and children like this who are being denied basic protections and due process in asylum cases. Mothers have not been given proper notice or opportunity to be heard, nor have they been granted their right to outside communication, including with an attorney. For children traveling alone, many have faced deportation judges without counsel, all alone.

The decision to place potential asylum cases on a fast-tracked "detain-and-deport" policy leaves thousands of mothers and children vulnerable. No one deserves to be sent back to extreme violence and danger, especially when they have not been properly tried for refuge.

Please sign the petition to urge President Obama to uphold due process in all cases at the border. Mothers who have risked everything for their children have the right to be heard!