TED Talks Daily The fundamental right to seek asylum | Melanie Nezer
Jul 16, 2019
Melanie Nezer, a refugee and immigrants rights attorney, offers a compelling historical perspective on the asylum crisis at the southern US border. She discusses the essential right to seek asylum and the pressing need for compassionate immigration policies. By sharing personal stories, she emphasizes the human experiences behind the migration crisis. Nezer also highlights the challenges faced by asylum seekers, advocating for a response driven by empathy and accountability. Ultimately, she argues that true strength lies in compassion, not fear.
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The Hassenfeld Brothers' Journey
- Melanie Nezer shares a story about a woman concerned about family separation at the border.
- The woman's grandfather and great-uncle, the Hassenfeld brothers, fled Europe as children, becoming the founders of Hasbro.
Unintended Consequences of Policies
- Policies intended to increase safety and strength can have unintended negative consequences.
- Nezer's experience shows these policies often cause unnecessary suffering.
Seeking Asylum: A Legal Right
- While some view immigration through a legal vs. illegal lens, asylum seekers prioritize their families' safety.
- Seeking asylum is a legal right, not a crime.