Hong Kong Watch endorses reintroduction of the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act in the US Senate

In response to the imposition of the National Security Law, United States Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Bob Menendez are leading the reintroduction of the Hong Kong Safe Harbor Act to ensure Hongkongers who peacefully protested Beijing’s corrupt justice system, and have a well-founded fear of persecution, will be able to seek protection in America.

 The bill would,

  • Grant certain Hong Kongers Priority 2 Refugee Status: Hong Kongers who participated peacefully in the protest movement and have a well-founded fear of persecution will be eligible for Priority 2 Refugee processing in Hong Kong or a third country. Refugees from Hong Kong will not be subjected to the numerical limitation.

  • Waive Immigration Intent as a Factor for Non-Immigrant Visas：For those Hong Kongers who have been arrested for protest-related offenses or served in a humanitarian or organizing role in the protests, the intent to immigrate will not be considered as a factor for non-immigrant visas to ease the way for an asylum claim.

  • Treat Revocation of Hong Kong Residency in Retaliation for Applying for Refugee Status or a U.S. Visa as Political Persecution：If Beijing revokes the residency of Hong Kongers for applying for refugee status or a U.S. visa, then those individuals will remain eligible for refugee status as victims of political persecution.

 The bill is currently co-sponsored by ten Senators from both parties, including Senator Todd Young, Ben Cardin, John Cornyn, Jeff Merkley, Elizabeth Warren, Dick Durbin, James Lankford, Ron Wyden, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Coons.

Hong Kong Watch Associate Joey Siu says:

“We supported the Safe Harbor Act when it was first introduced in the previous congress and warmly welcome its introduction.“

"As the Chinese Communist Party tightens its grip on Hong Kong's fundamental rights and freedoms, the people of Hong Kong, especially protesters, are in desperate need of a lifeline out of the city. The U.S. should join the U.K., Canada and Australia in providing them a safe harbor as soon as possible and continue to work with our international allies to support the people of Hong Kong."

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