CFU PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2025, 6:00 PM
Contact: contact@campaignforuyghurs.org
+1 650-703-4523
https://campaignforuyghurs.org
Washington, D.C. — Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) welcomes the re-introduction of the Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act, an essential and timely piece of bi-partisan legislation that would designate Priority 2 (P-2) refugee status to Uyghurs fleeing persecution. This vital measure offers a lifeline to those escaping systematic oppression, and we are deeply grateful to Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), and Gregory Meeks (D-NY) for introducing this important bill.
The Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act would provide direct access to the U.S. refugee resettlement program and expedited asylum processing for Uyghurs. This legislation meets an urgent need for safe harbor, as countless Uyghurs in the United States endure years of uncertainty while waiting for asylum and refugee status, subjected to transnational repression.
Importantly, the bill also mandates diplomatic engagement from the Department of State with third countries hosting Uyghurs, ensuring they are not deported back to China. The urgency of this bill is underscored by recent events. Just last month, more than 40 Uyghurs were deported from Thailand to China, where they are being sent back to a place marked by documented genocide and crimes against humanity.
“As the PRC continues to surveil Uyghurs abroad and pressure other countries to forcibly deport them back to danger, countless Uyghurs remain trapped in fear and uncertainty, anxiously awaiting asylum and refugee status. By passing this bipartisan bill, the United States will reaffirm its commitment to protecting human rights and standing with Uyghurs escaping genocide.” – Rushan Abbas, Executive Director, Campaign for Uyghurs
Campaign for Uyghurs fully supports this bi-partisan bill and calls on Congress to swiftly pass the Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act. Please support this bill by reaching out to your representatives now! Use our email template here.
