Amnesty International praises new material support waivers

Amnesty International issued a press release this week praising the authorization on Monday of two new “material support of terrorism” waivers. The waivers, which were signed by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, will enable asylum seekers who helped terrorist organizations under duress to still be eligible for entry into the U.S.

“Amnesty International applauds Secretary Chertoff’s decision…but much more must be done to fix overly broad terrorism definitions. Many legitimate refugees and asylum seekers remain ineligible for protection, because they’re wrongly considered terrorists under current law,” said Sarnata Reynolds, Amnesty International’s USA refugee program director.

Reynolds also said that although the waivers are a big step for asylum seekers, a procedure has to be put in place to allow them to take advantage of it.

For full press release, click here