People fleeing violence and persecution are coming to the U.S. border seeking asylum. These men, women and children have the right to be in this country while seeking asylum under United States and international law. The Trump administration is trying to shut down the border and obstruct asylum seekers from legally obtaining asylum status.

Those vulnerable people are being denied their right to be in the United States, to present their claims to Customs and Immigration, to go before an immigration judge and to be detained for only a limited time.

Congress needs to ensure asylum seekers are permitted legal entry into the United States to file claims and to ensure the funding of immigration judges to hear cases.

Government practice needs to keep families together, reduce detention and wait time while providing for humanitarian medical and safety needs.

Martha Brodeur, Auburn