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What and/or Who is an Asylee? 

An asylee is an individual who is forced to flee their country due to violence, war, or persecution. An asylee seeks protection from within the United States or at a port of entry. This is not to be confused with a refuge, who applies for protection outside of the United States.

Changes Within the Trump Administration

Over the years, the Trump Administration has implemented several policies for asylum seekers who arrive at the southern border. Some of these include;

  • 11/9/2018 – Trump issued proclamation 9822 – Which would not allow asylum seekers who were traveling through Mexico, to enter the United States.
  • 7/16/2019 – Known as the “Asylum ban 2.0,” this interim final rule made asylum seekers who arrive at the southern border and have traveled through a country outside of their origin, ineligible for asylum.

These policies have created barriers when it comes to protection for asylum seekers, which threatens their legal right to counsel and a court date. Due to the changing policies under the Trump Administration, asylum seekers have found it difficult to seek protection in the United States.

Asylum Changes due to COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, it has become increasingly difficult for asylum seekers to find shelter in the United States. In March 2020, when the nation was in the developing stages of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported an order suspending all “nonessential” travel through both the Canadian and Mexican border for 30 days. The only travel allowed was for “essential” reasons, which included: work, education, U.S. citizens, LPR’s and even anyone who had a valid travel document. However, those seeking asylum were considered “non-essential.”

The CDC would go on to issue another order, allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to bar anyone, including asylum seekers from entering the United States if there was a threat of a communicable disease. Once again, citizens, LPR’s, and those with valid travel documents were exempted from this order.

As a result of these orders and their rules, asylum seekers have hit a roadblock at the southern border. According to the American Immigration Council, “from March 20 through the end of August, CBP ‘expelled’ over 147,000 people encountered at the border from the United States to Mexico.” These changes for those seeking asylum in the United States have made it nearly impossible to seek refuge, especially due to the pandemic.

Seeking Asylum? Speak to an Immigration Lawyer

It is important that you speak with an immigration lawyer if you are seeking asylum in the United States. At Rivera Law, we are equipped to defend your rights as an asylum seeker, ultimately leading you to the road of citizenship.

Contact us at 561-651-9322 for your consultation with a board-certified immigration lawyer today.