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.
NAE Statement on the Extending Status Protection for Eligible Refugees Act
New York, NY — Following the Administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaraguans, New American Economy is endorsing the Extending Status Protection for Eligible Refugees (ESPERER) Act, sponsored by Representatives Curbelo, Ros-Lehtinen, Hastings, and Wilson, which would grant permanent resident status to current TPS holders. Read More
TPS for Nicaragua Ends, Honduras Not Yet Decided and Extended for Six Months
The Department of Homeland Security ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nicaragua. This decision means 5,300 Nicaraguan nationals will lose their temporary status to live and work in this country, despite the fact that many have lived lawfully here for nearly 20 years. Read More
Campus Theologian Offers Comfort and Aid to Refugees in Pennsylvania
When it comes to immigration, Dr. Helen Wolf, executive director of the University of Scranton’s Office of Campus Ministries, a nationally recognized Catholic and Jesuit university, looks to the example of Pope Francis. In September 2015, shortly after she took on the position, “He called on Catholics and individuals… Read More
Class Action Lawsuit Challenges Practice of Turning Away Asylum Seekers at U.S. Southern Border
Washington D.C. – Today an immigrant rights group and several asylum seekers filed a class action lawsuit against officials at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in a federal district court in California, challenging the government’s unlawful practice of depriving asylum seekers of… Read More
Refugee Admissions Resume but Government Will Still Restrict Some Countries
With its current refugee ban formally expiring, this week the Trump administration announced it will resume the U.S. Refugee Admissions program—with one major caveat: refugees from 11 countries are generally barred from the country for an additional 90-day period. Although the administration did not name the 11 countries… Read More
Temporary Protected Status in the United States
This fact sheet provides information about TPS holders from El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti. Read More
American Immigration Council’s Statement on President Trump’s Immigration Principles
The White House released its long anticipated, "Immigration Principles and Policies," which lay out many of the already-stated aspirations of the Trump administration on immigration. The laundry list represents a wholesale attack on immigration and immigrants. It includes not only limits on immigration generally, but enables mass deportations and envisions bypassing necessary procedures that protect children and asylum seekers. Read More
Attorney General Sessions Attacks Asylum Seekers and Calls for More Fast-Track Deportations
During a public appearance at the Department of Justice on Thursday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions called on Congress to curb due process for immigrants by making it more difficult for an individual to seek asylum and to increase fast-track deportations. In his speech, Sessions focused heavily on America’s long-standing… Read More
White House Immigration Principles Are Released as DACA Deal Looms
The White House released its Immigration Principles and Policies late Sunday night, providing an outline of the Trump administration’s proposals on immigration. The principles were sent to Congressional leadership with a cover letter demanding these reforms be included in any legislation that addresses protection for Deferred Action for Childhood… Read More
Supreme Court Likely to Decide Constitutionality of Immigration Detention Without Bond
When the Supreme Court hears arguments in Jennings v. Rodriguez, the Justices will tackle a question eight of them considered in 2016: whether the Constitution allows the government to detain noncitizens for more than six months without ever giving them an opportunity for a bond hearing. Although the case… Read More
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