Featured Issue: Asylum Under Trump 2.0
On the first day of his second term, President Trump suspended all entries at the U.S. Southern Border for asylum seekers. Since then, the Administration has implemented sweeping restrictions that shut America’s doors to people fleeing persecution. These policies violate federal law, erode constitutionally protected due process, exacerbate the asylum backlog, and give those seeking safety an increasingly narrow path to protection.
Left unchecked by Congress, these policies will have dire consequences for both asylum seekers and the integrity of our legal system. Asylum seekers—especially those without access to counsel—are at grave risk of being returned to harm.
It doesn’t have to be this way. The Administration can maintain order at U.S. borders and effectively manage migration without sacrificing fairness and adherence to the law. With more trained asylum officers, a streamlined legal process, legal representation for asylum seekers, and more effective coordination between relevant agencies, the U.S. can establish a safe, orderly, and humane asylum system.
Browse the Featured Issue: Asylum Under Trump 2.0 collection
Extension of DED for Persian Gulf Evacuees
A 1/5/95, INS cable from T. Alexander Aleinikoff, Executive Associate Commissioner, Programs (INS), regarding the extension of deferred enforced departure and employment authorization for the Persian Gulf evacuees.
INS Final Rule on Rules and Procedures for Asylum or Withholding of Deportation
INS final rule, dated 12/5/94, streamlining the adjudication of asylum applications submitted to the INA with rules and procedures for adjudication of applications for asylum or withholding of deportation and for employment authorization. Effective 1/4/95.
AILA Press Release on New Asylum Regs
AILA press release on asylum regulations released on 12/2/94, stating that its a step forward but will hurt some refugees.
INS Policy on Family Planning Claims from PRC
A 8/5/94 INS memo from Chris Sale regarding processing nationals of the People's Republic of China (PRC) who present claims relating to the enforcement of coercive family planning practices.
Reno Designates Gay Asylum BIA Case as Precedent
A June 16, 1994 memo fromU.S. Attorney General Janet Reno designating as precedent the Board of Immigration Appeals decision In Re Fidel Armando Toboso-Alfonso, which granted asylum to a gay man on the basis of persecution because of membership in a social group.
INS on Refugee Dependents Fee to Apply for EAD
A 6/14/94 letter (CO 1543) from T. Alexander Aleinikoff, General Counsel (INS) regarding refugee dependents being required to pay fees to apply for Form I-688B, the employment authorization document (EAD).
Asylum Denial Does Not Bar Adjustment of Status
A 4/6/94 letter (HQ 245-C) from Edward H. Skerrett, Chief, Immigrant Branch for Adjudications (INS) regarding the effect of a denial of an asylum application on an alien's eligibility for adjustment of status under section 245 of the INA.
INS Proposed Rule on Asylum Reforms
INS proposed rule, dated 3/30/94, that would amend existing regulations to streamline the adjudication of asylum applications submitted to Asylum Officers within the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
CA9 Hits 'Elias-Zacarias'
CA9 finds that Elias-Zacarias does not compel that INS be given the same measure of extreme deference as is given a prison official. (Gebllawi v. INS, 3/10/94)
INS on PRC National in U.S. to Receive Travel Document
A 12/3/93 letter (HQ 223a-C) from Edward H. Skerrett, Immigrant Branch for Adjudications (INS) concerning the eligibility of a PRC national currently in the United States to receive a refugee travel document.
DOS Cable on Visas 92 and 93 Procedures
A 11/6/93 DOS cable stating that effective immediately the Department will no longer be transmitting visas 92 and 93 cables, except in extremely time sensitive cases.
BIA Acknowledges Homosexuality as Particular Social Group
The BIA found that the respondent, a homosexual male from Cuba, established his membership in a particular social group and demonstrated that his freedom was threatened for purposes of withholding under former INA §243(h). (Matter of Toboso-Alfonso, 3/12/90)
INS Issues Memo on Guidance Related to Asylum and Adjustment of Status
INS issued guidance relating to asylum and employment authorization, interviews, BHRHA advisory opinions, decisions, admission of spouses and children accompanying or following to join asylees, jurisdiction issues, and adjustments for spouses and children.