The new policy for asylum applications

In early July 2020, the Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced new measures that must be taken into account by immigration entities when approving requests for political asylum.

The DHS, in conjunction with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) released an official statement declaring that asylum seekers will not be allowed to enter the US if they have any underlying health conditions that may pose a threat to the health of the local population.

It means that if border forces or immigration entities determine that immigrants have a potentially pandemic virus or a highly contagious disease, their asylum applications could be rejected.

This rule came to light after the US became the main epicenter of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Trump administration argues that the country needs more measures to protect the health of the American population and prevent immigrants from bringing viruses from abroad.

Yet despite the government’s intention to protect citizens, dozens of immigrant rights advocates declare that the current administration of the US is using the health crisis as a pretext to increase restrictions and reduce immigration, affecting thousands of families who seek international protection while fleeing the danger of their countries.

Health specialists sign a letter against this rule

On August 6, 2020, in Georgia, several health experts signed a letter addressed to:

• The Acting Secretary of the DHS, Chad Wolf.
• The Attorney General of the US Department of Justice (DOJ), William Barr.

In the official statement, dozens of health specialists declare that banning the entry of asylum seekers due to a communicable disease could tremendously affect the lives of thousands of immigrants fleeing persecution and domestic violence.

Passing that rule, in their opinion, would be like sending people in dire need of international protection back into danger, which would contradict the promise of the US.

In fact, they state: “Despite its pretext of protecting public health during pandemics, the proposed rule would undermine public health and further endanger people seeking protection in the United States.”

Health experts propose to have a different approach with immigrants who may pose a threat to public health. They also argue that denying entry to asylum seekers based on their health history does not protect the health of the local population in any way.

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Do you need help with your immigration case?

The Trump administration has tried to reduce the number of immigrants entering the US by all means. Thus, multiple immigration processes have changed substantially during Trump’s term, and even more so during the health crisis caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

That is why the best alternative is to have the accompaniment of experts, who can guide you towards the success of your immigration application.

If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.