Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The United States has a longstanding tradition of welcoming individuals from around the world who are seeking protection and refuge. But recent U.S. policy has grown increasingly hostile toward asylum seekers and refugees. Instead of turning vulnerable individuals away, the United States should maintain its global reputation as a leader in refugee resettlement and humanitarian protection. Doing so not only upholds American values but sustains and strengthens our communities. Data from the Council shows that refugees and asylees make tremendous contributions to our economy as earners, taxpayers, and consumers. Learn more about the contributions and challenges of asylum seekers and refugees below.
Asylum in the United States
- Asylum
- May 9, 2025
Asylum seekers must navigate a difficult and complex process that can involve multiple government agencies. This fact sheet provides an overview of…
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Statement from New American Economy on the Biden Administration Revising the Refugee Admissions Cap
Following the Biden Administration revising the annual refugee admissions cap, New American Economy issued the following statement: “For decades, the U.S. has led the world in refugee resettlement, offering a safe haven to people fleeing violence and persecution and a chance for them to build better lives for… Read More
Sinema and Cornyn Propose Changes to Asylum Processing at the Border
The current situation at the U.S.-Mexico border has once again exposed the flaws of our country’s asylum system. On April 22, Senators Kyrsten Sinema and John Cornyn and Representatives Tony Gonzales and Henry Cueller introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill as an effort to alleviate some of the system’s greatest deficiencies. Read More
Rising Border Encounters in 2021: An Overview and Analysis
This Council fact sheet provides an overview and analysis of border encounters and border apprehensions in 2021. Read More
Statement from NAE Executive Director Jeremy Robbins on the Introduction of The Bipartisan Border Solutions Act
Following the introduction of The Bipartisan Border Solutions Act, New American Economy issued the following statement: “The new immigration bill from Senators Cornyn and Sinema shows that bipartisan solutions on this issue are possible,” said Jeremy Robbins, Executive Director of New American Economy. “We hope the rest of the Senate… Read More
Biden’s Commitment to Refugees in Question After Flip-Flopping on Admissions Cap
Throughout his presidential campaign and after the election, Joe Biden repeatedly condemned President Trump’s decision to slash the U.S. refugee admissions level to its lowest in history. He promised to raise the number of refugees admitted to 125,000 a year. But on April 16, President Biden instead signed a… Read More
How the Biden Administration Is Responding to Unaccompanied Children, Families, and Adults at the Border
Only days after President Biden took office, some people were already declaring that the border was in a state of crisis. But recently released U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics reveal that the truth is more complicated. The Biden administration is dealing with two very different phenomena at the… Read More
Coalition Letter Calling for Phase-Out of Detention, Beginning with Ten Facilities
The American Immigration Council joined other organizations in calling on the Biden administration to phase-out immigration detention, beginning with the closure of ten specific facilities. Read More
Republicans Introduced 11 New Anti-Immigration Bills. Here’s What’s at Stake If They Pass.
A group of Republican lawmakers recently introduced a slew of anti-immigration bills in the House of Representatives and Senate. The bills primarily target people’s rights to seek asylum in the United States, as well as re-up a laundry list of anti-immigration initiatives from the Trump administration. Read More
A Guide to Title 42 Expulsions at the Border
The United States has long guaranteed the right to seek asylum to individuals who arrive at our southern border and ask for protection. But since March 20, 2020, that fundamental right has been largely suspended. Read More
America's story is an immigrant story.
