On July 22nd, 2019, ProPublica reported that thousands of vulnerable migrants are being denied a chance to apply for asylum in the United States — even though they have complied with all of the hurdles that the Trump Administration has put in from of them. Indeed, in many cases, these asylum seekers signed up for an ‘unofficial waitlist’ and have been in Mexico for months, and now they may be prevented from ever having their American asylum claim heard.
Trump Administration Policy: Asylum Seekers Must Wait in Mexico
Earlier this year, the Trump Administration enacted its so-called ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy. Under such a policy, asylum seekers who arrived at U.S. border entry points were returned to Mexico to wait to have their claim processed.
As reported by Truthout, more than 15,000 asylum seekers have been returned to Mexico under the policy since it was put into place in January of 2019. Tragically, many of these people have been sent to some of the most desperate and dangerous places in the entire country.
New Trump Administration Policy: Many Migrants Who Come Through Mexico are Ineligible
The 15,000 migrants who willingly returned to wait in Mexico have played by the Trump Administration’s rules. As was mentioned, in many cases, they sign forms to be added to waitlists and have spent months in Mexico waiting for further instructions from American immigration officials.
Suddenly, on July 15th, 2019, the Trump Administration announced a new policy requiring asylum seekers to apply for protection in the first safe country that they enter. In other words, they are required to apply for asylum in Mexico before applying in the United States. Only when their Mexican claim is denied can they then seek protection in the United States. If they have not submitted a claim in Mexico, then their American asylum claim will not be heard at all.
The Immediate Consequences: Migrants Who Have Been Waiting are Being Rejected
A lawsuit has been filed to stop the Trump Administration from moving forward with the latest attack on immigrant rights. A representative from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called the Trump Administration’s new rule “patently unlawful” and promised swift legal action.
However, ProPublica reports that vulnerable migrants are already feeling the effects of the Administration’s rules change. Many asylum seekers who have been patiently waiting in Mexico for their opportunity to apply for asylum in the United States have suddenly been deemed ineligible by the Trump Administration. As long as this rule remains in place, thousands of migrants in Mexico will never get a chance to have their asylum claim heard.
Discuss Your Case With an Asylum Attorney in Los Angeles, CA
At Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our California immigration lawyer has extensive experience handling the full range of asylum claims. With persistence, diligence, and compassion, we work tirelessly to get our clients successful results. For a completely confidential review of your asylum claim, please call our Los Angeles law office right away, (213) 262-2000.
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