Most of us would move heaven and earth to provide for our loved ones, whether we’re born here or have made Ireland our home.

Like most people in Ireland, we want a fair immigration process that keeps people safe, especially children, and that keeps our families and communities whole.

However, your proposed International Protection Bill in its current form puts people’s lives and children’s futures at risk . You could instead put your energy into fixing what is broken, not pursuing cruel and harmful policies. Specifically you should:

• Ensure children are safe: Ban outright the plan to detain children.
• Stop plans for border detention camps: We all deserve the freedom to meet neighbours and live in a community.
• Prioritise legal safeguards: Guarantee legal representation at every stage of the process.
• Allow families to be together: People thrive with family support and connection. Two years is too long a wait to be allowed to apply for family reunification.
• Recognise that everyone’s situation is unique: Change the blanket approach to "Safe Countries".
• Give enough time for a safe decision: 3 months is not enough to apply for asylum, and 10 days to appeal is dangerous
• Ensure independent oversight: The new Chief Inspector of Border Procedures needs the power to investigate complaints.

Welcoming people who move and caring for the people who are here is something Ireland can be proud of. We need leaders like you to live up to the values this country prides itself on: humanity, freedom, and community. This includes fair, transparent immigration rules.