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.
Federal Appeals Court Rules in Favor of Asylum Seekers’ Rights to Present at POEs
Ports of entry along our borders are supposed to be where people in need of protection can come to seek humanitarian relief. But since 2016, every presidential administration has used different tactics to turn people away from ports of entry (POEs) along the U.S.-Mexico border before they even get there. Read More
What Is the ‘Bipartisan Border Bill’ and How Would It Change the US Immigration System?
The “bipartisan border bill” has been front and center in the presidential election, but it is often presented to the public without clarity on what the bill would actually do. In May, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced S. 4361, the Border Act of 2024. This bill includes nearly identical… Read More
Volunteer to Support Immigrants: Pro Bono Attorneys and Interpreters Needed
Are you an attorney looking for a way to provide pro bono legal support to people working on their immigration cases? Or someone who could volunteer as an interpreter for those attorneys? Consider joining the Immigration Justice Campaign. We give volunteer attorneys all the help they need… Read More
NEW REPORT: Gaps in Detention Data from Torrance Detention Facility Show Racial Disparities
In a New Mexico detention center, ICE categorized People with African, Asian, and South American backgrounds as racially ‘white’ Read More
Ninth Circuit Upholds Rights of Asylum Seekers, Rules “Metering” Unlawful
In a decision issued on Oct. 23, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals largely affirmed a lower court decision that found the U.S. government's systemic practice of turning back asylum seekers ("metering") at the U.S.-Mexico border is unlawful. Read More
The Current State of the Border: Crossings Remain Low While Pressure Builds in Southern Mexico
It was only 10 months ago when the U.S. set record highs at the border, with roughly 250,000 migrants taken into Border Patrol custody in December 2023. But today, border apprehensions are running steady at their lowest level in four years, with just 54,000 Border Patrol migrant encounters in… Read More
DACA Recipients Need Permanent Protection from Congress
So long as Congress fails to step up and provide a permanent solution, DACA recipients will continue living in constant fear and uncertainty, the Council said today. Read More
Court Allows Legal Challenge to CBP One Turnback Policy to Proceed
A case that challenges that U.S. government's policy of turning away asylum seekers who legally approach ports of entry can move forward, a judge ruled. Read More
Extended Harsh Asylum Restrictions Won’t Fix Our Broken Immigration System
We need a balanced approach to addressing challenges at our southern border and our overwhelmed, broken asylum system. Read More
Texas Attorney General Paxton Continues Fight Against NGOs That Serve Migrants
Update on 9/13/24: On August 23rd, Harris County District Judge Ravi K. Sandill denied Attorney General Ken Paxton’s request to halt FIEL’s operations and revoke its nonprofit status, effectively stopping the case from moving forward. FIEL Houston is being represented by MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund)… Read More
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