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The members of Groupe Patriotique du Sénégal (GPS) in the United States are not “illegals”—we are individuals who came to this country seeking refuge from persecution, violence, and death. We are registered members of the U.S. Branch of the GPS, and we stand united in our commitment to the values of justice, human rights, and peace.
Our presence in the United States is not a result of unlawful activity or an attempt to circumvent immigration laws. Rather, we have come here in search of safety and protection, in full alignment with the rights provided to us under international law—specifically the 1951 Geneva Convention, to which the U.S. is a signatory.
Seeking Protection Under the 1951 Geneva Convention
The 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees is a key international treaty that outlines the rights of individuals who are forced to flee their home countries due to fear of persecution. This persecution can stem from a variety of factors, including race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
As members of the GPS, we fled Senegal because we faced very real threats to our lives. These threats arose from political persecution, human rights abuses, and violent oppression. In our country, standing up for democratic rights or opposing the government can lead to arbitrary detention, torture, or even death. The decision to seek asylum in the United States was made out of necessity—not as an escape from economic hardship, but as a desperate plea for protection from violence and persecution. Under the Geneva Convention, we have a right to seek asylum in a country that has signed and ratified the treaty. The United States, as a signatory, is obligated to provide protection to those who meet the criteria for refugee status. We are here legally, following the correct process for asylum, and we urge that our claims for protection be heard and respected.
We Are Registered Members of the U.S. Branch of GPS
Our group, GPS, is committed to peaceful activism and the promotion of democratic ideals. As part of the U.S. branch of GPS, we have taken steps to ensure that our presence here is in full compliance with U.S. immigration laws. We are not clandestine or hidden; we are registered members, and we follow the procedures laid out for asylum seekers.
Our commitment to the principles of human rights and social justice remains strong. Through the U.S. branch of GPS, we continue to advocate for the rights of all who face persecution, both in Senegal and around the world. Our work here is an extension of the mission we began in our home country—to promote democracy, protect the rights of the oppressed, and fight against corruption and political violence.
We Condemn the Mass Deportation Plan
We strongly condemn the mass deportation plans proposed by former President Donald Trump and others who seek to use fear and division as tools to undermine the rights of immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. These deportation plans threaten the lives of many individuals and families who have come to the U.S. seeking safety from violence and persecution. They endanger not only our members but also countless other vulnerable people who have sought refuge in this country under international law.
The cruel nature of mass deportation—especially without due process or consideration for the risks people face if returned to their home countries—flies in the face of the values upon which the United States was founded. The rights of refugees and asylum seekers must be protected. We stand firm in opposing any policy that seeks to strip people of their right to safety and protection based on fear, xenophobia, or political ideology.
We call on lawmakers and advocates to stand with us in opposing mass deportations and instead focus on creating a fair and just system for processing asylum claims. We need solutions that prioritize compassion, human dignity, and the protection of the most vulnerable members of our global community.
Standing for the Rights of Many
As members of GPS, we are not alone in our struggle. We stand for the rights of all those who are forced to flee their homes due to violence, persecution, and fear for their lives. Our cause is shared by millions of people worldwide who have sought refuge in the U.S. and other countries. We advocate not only for the rights of those who are part of GPS but for every individual who faces injustice, discrimination, and threats to their safety.
The U.S. has long been a beacon of hope for people seeking refuge. It is essential that this tradition of welcome and protection continues, in line with international human rights law. We call on the American people to recognize that those who seek asylum are not criminals but survivors who deserve compassion, due process, and the right to live without fear.
Conclusion
To the broader American public and policymakers: our message is simple. The members of Groupe Patriotique du Sénégal are not “illegals.” We are refugees who came to the United States seeking protection from persecution and death, in line with our rights under the 1951 Geneva Convention. We are registered members of the U.S. branch of GPS, committed to upholding the values of democracy, justice, and human rights.
We oppose the mass deportation plans that threaten the safety and well-being of countless individuals like ourselves. We stand for the rights of all people—especially those fleeing danger and seeking a chance to live in peace. We urge policymakers to stand with us in defending the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring that the U.S. remains a country that welcomes those who need protection and that its asylum system is fair, humane, and just.
We are not criminals. We are survivors. We are seeking safety, and we have the right to live free from fear.
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