The opposition People’s Democratic Movement(PDM) staged a protest on October 2, 2024, strongly opposing the controversialAsylum Bill 2024, which they claim could create a national crisis. FormerDeputy Premier Sean Astwood criticized Section 14 of the bill, which allowsanyone in legal custody to apply for asylum, including those arriving illegallyby boat. Astwood warned this would overwhelm government resources, createmassive backlogs, and leave taxpayers to support asylum seekers during lengthylegal processes. Highlighting past cases, he argued the bill prioritizesinternational obligations over the interests of Turks and Caicos Islanders.“This bill is not good, and it should not progress as it is,” he stated,calling for the bill’s withdrawal.

Other PDM leaders joined the criticism,pointing to the lack of public consultation and the financial and social risksposed by the bill. Deputy Leader Robert Been Jr. warned of corruption risks, asthe bill gives ministers discretionary power over asylum decisions, andsuggested it would strain already limited national resources. Former Speaker ofthe House Dwayne Taylor accused the government of pushing the bill under UKpressure, calling it a betrayal of the TCI people. Taylor proposed banningin-country asylum applications as a deterrent to illegal immigration and urgedgreater protections for the local population.

Former Minister of Tourism Ralph Higgscalled on Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam to delay signing the bill intolaw until proper public consultations are conducted. He warned the bill couldlegitimize thousands of undocumented residents already in TCI, worsening theillegal immigration crisis and further disempowering Islanders. The protestunderscored growing tensions over immigration policy, with opposition leadersaccusing Premier Washington Misick’s government of failing to prioritize thepeople’s interests. As the parliamentary vote looms, the PDM continues todemand transparency, consultation, and significant amendments to safeguard thenation’s future.