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.
Laotian Refugee, Entrepreneur, and PhD Candidate Calls Boise Home
When Palina Louangketh was three years old, her mother walked her and her brother into a field after a family dinner and kept going. They were escaping Laos, and would walk for two and a half weeks, always at night to evade communist patrols. During the day they hid or… Read More
On World Refugee Day, a Look at the Trump Administration’s Ugly Track Record on Refugees
Across the globe, people gather together to celebrate World Refugee Day on June 20. Started in 2001, this day not only commends the courage and determination of the currently 25.4 million recognized refugees, but is also a time for countries and institutions to recommit to the… Read More
New American Economy Statement on Immigration Legislation in the House of Representatives (H.R. 6136 and H.R. 4760)
NEW YORK – “The House is failing to meet the moment on immigration,” said John Feinblatt, President of New American Economy. “Despite months of healthy, bipartisan negotiations in both chambers, the House is voting on hardliner wish-lists that not only leave too many Dreamers in legal limbo, but also set… Read More
The Trump Administration Is Choosing to Separate Children From Their Parents Every Day
Every day under the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is choosing to separate children from their parents. Despite claims by the administration to the contrary, the separation of families could stop today if the Attorney General and DHS chose to end the policy. In… Read More
Trump’s Signature Family Separation Policy and Migrant Kid Jails Meet Outrage
The outcry against family separation has only just begun. The Trump administration’s cruel policy of separating migrant children from their parents when they cross the U.S.-Mexico border is drawing sharp criticism from many corners. In addition to protests held by everyday Americans, faith leaders, pediatricians, and… Read More
Asylum Seekers Fleeing Domestic Violence and Gangs Now Face Even Higher Hurdles to Protection
In the latest attack on asylum seekers, Attorney General Jeff Sessions single-handedly overturned years of immigration precedent to find that many victims of violence will not qualify for asylum. His strongly-worded opinion strikes an especially devastating blow to Central American asylum seekers, the vast majority of… Read More
Sessions Rolls Back Asylum Protections for Domestic and Gang Violence Victims
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced on Monday his decision to overturn earlier court precedent effectively rolling back protections for asylum-seeking men, women, and children fleeing domestic violence and criminal gangs. Sessions referred Matter of A-B- to himself earlier this year—a case involving a Salvadoran woman who… Read More
American Immigration Council’s Statement on Attorney General’s Decision Restricting Access to Asylum for Victims of Domestic and Gang Violence
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced today that he is taking away a vital lifeline to victims of severe domestic and gang violence. Sessions issued a decision unilaterally overruling important precedent recognizing that such individuals may qualify for asylum in the United States. Read More
Asylum Seeker Files Lawsuit After CBP Officers Falsify Paperwork and Then Deport Him
Time and time again, immigrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border are never given a meaningful opportunity by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to explain why they fear returning to their country of origin. All too often CBP officers fail to follow the rules designed to protect asylum… Read More
Lawsuit Seeks To Hold CBP Accountable for Turning Away Asylum Seeker and Falsifying Paper Trail
José Crespo Cagnant filed a lawsuit to hold the government accountable for abusive, unlawful conduct and depriving him of an opportunity to apply for asylum. Read More
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