WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Trump signed a proclamation today that will severely limit the ability of certain migrants to apply for asylum.
The new rule temporarily blocks anyone who crosses the border between official ports of entry from seeking asylum in the U.S. While those arrested between ports of entry will still be able to apply for humanitarian relief through other avenues, they will face a much higher bar for proving their claim.
Although not all petitions will be granted, both U.S. and international law allow someone to seek asylum, regardless of how they enter the country.
“The administration is proposing a solution that fails to address the root of the problem. The net result of this change will be continued chaos at ports of entry, migrant families falling into the hands of Mexican cartels, and a continued erosion of America’s standing in the world,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “Rather than efforts to scare migrants and Americans alike, the administration should abide by the laws of the land that allow people fleeing violence and persecution a chance to make their case. One thing that unites a majority of Americans is a belief in the principle of asylum. Eroding that principle means eroding a defining value of our nation.
“Instead of generating chaos and confusion at our border, the administration should be offering more resources for processing asylum seekers to ensure that those fleeing violence and persecution have a full, fair opportunity to seek refuge within our borders.”