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.
Statement from NAE Executive Director Jeremy Robbins on Attorney General Merrick Garland’s order to vacate Trump-era limitations on asylum
Following Attorney General Merrick Garland reversing Trump-era immigration rulings on Wednesday, New American Economy issued the following statement: “We applaud AG Garland’s decision to vacate rulings that denied protections for those fleeing gender-based violence, gang brutality, and other human rights violations, said Jeremy Robbins, Executive Director of New American Economy. “This is… Read More
Letter Urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to Vacate Matter of A-B, Matter of L-E-A, and Matter of A-C-A-A
The Council joined 356 other organizations, law school clinics, professors, law firms, and practitioners in urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to vacate Matter of A-B, Matter of L-E-A, and Matter of A-C-A-A. These Trump-administrative decisions limit the circumstances under which an asylum seeker can win protection due to persecution on… Read More
Returning to Our Humanitarian Obligations, AG Garland Restores Protections for Many Asylum Seekers
Attorney General Merrick Garland announced today that he is restoring a vital lifeline to victims of severe domestic violence, gang violence, and violence on account of family relationships. Read More
New Report Shows Immigrants and Refugees in the Minneapolis Area Paid Over $443 Million in Taxes and Held $1.2 Billion in Spending Power in 2019
Immigrants and refugees in the Minneapolis area make up 13.2 percent of business owners and 13.4 percent of STEM workers MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A new report released today by New American Economy (NAE), in partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and the… Read More
Collecting DNA From Asylum Seekers at the Border Raises Privacy Concerns
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is collecting DNA from asylum seekers at the border, recent media reports confirm. This is the latest expansion of DNA collection as part of a program initiated under the Trump administration that targets nearly all immigrants in government custody. A growing number of noncitizens… Read More
Coalition Letter Expresses Concerns About Proposed Expedited Asylum Process
The Council expressed concerns about the Biden administration's plans for a new type of expedited asylum proceedings. Read More
Coalition Letter Urges Biden Administration to End Migrant Protection Protocols
The Council urged the Biden administration to improve MPP wind down processing and toy move ahead with a second phase to include all individuals subjected to MPP. Read More
New ‘Dedicated Docket’ Could Rush Asylum-Seeking Families Through Court
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on May 28 the creation of a new “Dedicated Docket” in immigration court for the claims of asylum-seeking families. The goal of this new “rocket docket” is to complete most new cases within 300 days. A… Read More
Statement of NAE Executive Director Jeremy Robbins on Haitian TPS Designation
Following the Biden Administration granting humanitarian protections for Haitians in the United States, New American Economy issued the following statement: “We applaud the Biden-Harris administration for granting Haitians the opportunity to gain Temporary Protected Status during a period of increasing political and humanitarian crisis,” said Jeremy Robbins, Executive Director of New American… Read More
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