Birmingham volunteers to help migrant asylum seekers after release from Louisiana detention

An asylum rights group is looking for volunteers to help migrants the government plans to release from detention in Louisiana and transport to Birmingham.

The migrants are set to be released after the Biden administration ends Title 42, a World War II public health law that Trump used to prevent asylum seekers from taking refuge in the United States during the COVID pandemic. -19.

However, the United States Supreme Court this week in a 5-4 decision agreed to hear arguments on the policy in February and hold it in place until they decide.

This move likely keeps Title 42 in place for at least several months, but isn’t the final word. The court will consider whether the 19 states — including Alabama — that challenge the policy have the right to intervene in the lawsuit.

The Alabama Interfaith Refugee Partnership plans to help migrants with basic supplies once they arrive on 50-person buses in Birmingham. They will then help migrants travel to meet their sponsors in other cities.

“Volunteers from various community organizations will provide them with food and warm clothes, help them contact their sponsors in other cities, book them bus or plane tickets and transport them to the airport or train station. road,” the group said in a press release. Release.

Asylum seekers are due to arrive in Birmingham on the mornings of January 11, 18 and 25 at Trinity West Homewood.

The advocacy group is looking for donations and volunteers for the effort.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.