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.
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
Kamala Harris’ Opportunity to Reframe the Immigration Conversation
The American Immigration Council does not endorse or oppose candidates for elected office. We aim to provide analysis regarding the implications of the election on the U.S. immigration system. As the country continues to dissect the ramifications from President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race, the… Read More
Biden’s New Changes to the Asylum Process: What You Need to Know
On June 4, President Biden issued a sweeping order under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act claiming that allows him to “suspend the entry” of most migrants who cross the border between ports of entry, echoing a similar order issued by President Trump in November… Read More
Biden’s Executive Action Will Not Make Border More Orderly or Secure
The U.S. government needs to be able to quickly and fairly sort out migrants who have a valid asylum claim, but instead of investing in U.S. ports of entry, immigration courts, or more options for legal migration, the order focuses on harsh and arbitrary turnbacks. Read More
Government’s Move to Terminate Flores Agreement Could Leave Immigrant Children Unprotected
The Department of Justice asked a court to partially terminate the decades-old agreement that protects the rights of immigrant children earlier this month. The government argues that the Flores Settlement Agreement is no longer needed because a new Department of Health and Human Services regulation finalized on April… Read More
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