We, the undersigned on Indigenous lands, call for the immediate release of
the approximately 490 detained Tamil asylum seekers and affirm their right
to asylum. It is well known that Tamils in Sri Lanka are fleeing military
atrocities and mass displacement. We believe it is our human
responsibility to offer asylum to them. We denounce the government for
perpetuating unsubstantiated racist stereotypes about them. Last October,
similar hysteria about terrorism turned out to be entirely false in the
case of the 76 migrants aboard Ocean Lady. Rather than repressive, racist,
and exclusionary policies, we are encouraging compassion, solidarity,
respect for life, and justice for all refugees by saying Let The Boat
Stay.