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Unfortunately, the 'Real Audio' part of the Tour is unavailable. You can still view the pages with quotes but without the audio files. However, you can hear a 'Real Audio' overview of the 'USA Rights for All' campaign by clicking here.


THIS IS THE HEARING ROOM WHERE REFUGEES FLEEING TO THE UNITED STATES FIND OUT IF THEIR BIDS FOR POLITICAL ASYLUM HAVE BEEN GRANTED. IN 1997, ONLY 11% OF THOSE SEEKING ASYLUM ACTUALLY RECEIVED IT. MORE THAN 80,000 TRIED, BUT ONLY ABOUT 10,000 WERE WELCOMED INTO THE COUNTRY. THE PEOPLE WHO GET INTO THIS ROOM ARE THE LUCKY ONES - MANY DON'T MAKE IT OUT OF THE AIRPORT.


Nick Rizza:
"Asylum seekers who come to the US are basically claiming that they are refugees, that they need protection from abuses, abuses that Amnesty documents from around the world. And uh, our concern is that they are treated fairly miserably when detained by the Immigration and Naturalization Service."


MANY ASYLUM SEEKERS ARE SIMPLY LOCKED UP, OFTEN FOR MONTHS ON END, IN PLACES LIKE THIS...SOME IN POORLY RUN COUNTY JAILS OF WHICH AMNESTY HAS RECEIVED REPORTS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABUSE BY GUARDS.


Nick Rizza:
"I would say one of the biggest problems that asylum seekers face are arbitrary, and blatantly unfair and improper treatment in many instances, considering international standards."


IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY OLGA NARYMSKY HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR THE RELEASE OF MANY REFUGEES HELD IN DETENTION, LIKE THIS WOMAN FROM WEST AFRICA WHO HAS BEEN BEHIND BARS FOR 18 MONTHS.


Asylum Seeker:
"...please tell them I am not a criminal, I just came here for help."

SHE IS ONE OF THOUSANDS OF REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS LANGUISHING IN DETENTION . SHE SAYS SHE HAS BEEN DEPRIVED OF MEDICAL CARE, AND KEPT IN A ROOM 23 HOURS A DAY WITH NO ONE TO TALK WITH. SHE SEES NO WAY OUT.


The Death Penalty

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