Lawmakers introduce bill to speed up asylum process for Uyghurs

WASHINGTON – A bill has been introduced in Congress to expedite the asylum process for Uyghurs fleeing persecution from China.

The bill, known as the Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act, is supported by both sides of the political divide.

It calls for Uyghurs to be classified as Priority 2 (P-2) so they can apply for asylum more quickly.

Jennifer Wexton, a Virginia Democrat, said the U.S. cannot turn its back on people fleeing persecution. 

He called atrocities against Uyghurss and other ethnic minorities a global human rights crisis.

“The horrific atrocities that Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities are facing at the hands of the Chinese government are a global human rights emergency, and the United States cannot turn our back to those fleeing this persecution,” said Wexton.

Those granted P-2 status will receive special humanitarian assistance and resettlement support under the U.S. asylum process.

The bill also aims to protect Uyghurs refugees in other countries that are being pressured by the Chinese government to extradite them to China.

Many human rights groups are calling for action against China for its abuses against the Muslim group in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

There are reports of their detention in camps and prisons. Many of them have reported torture, sexual assault, forced labor, and separation of children from their parents.

Rushan Abbas, executive director of the human rights group Campaign for Uyghurs, said the introduction of the bill is a crucial step in addressing the plight of Uyghurs.

Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, called the law an important milestone.

He said this will put pressure on countries trying to deport Uyghurs to China.

Earlier, the Canadian government decided to accept 10,000 Uyghurs refugees.