Immigrants flee danger, but find no protection in the US

President Trump has led one of the administrations that has most restricted the political asylum process in the US. This humanitarian program is normally available to people in need of international protection as they try to flee from danger, persecution or violence.

However, the Trump administration has substantially transformed the political asylum process, reducing alternatives available to the most vulnerable immigrant communities and increasing eligibility requirements to reduce the number of asylum seekers entering the US annually.

The Trump government has implemented immigration policies that reduce opportunities for:

• Victims of domestic violence.
• Immigrants fleeing persecution because of their gender identity.
• Victims of gangs, including minors.
• Victims of members of military forces or police entities, regardless of whether they are family members or not.

That is the case of Marisol, who came to the US to request political asylum since she was victim of aggression and abuse by her husband, a military member from Guatemala. Due to the Trump administration’s restrictions, Marisol’s asylum application was rejected and she may have to return to the country where she suffered constant abuse and violence.

For cases like Marisol’s, dozens of activists, immigration attorneys and immigrant rights advocates have raised their voices on behalf of asylum seekers, who have gone through truly risky situations under the Donald Trump administration.

The incoming government’s responsibility towards asylum seekers

Despite President Trump seeking re-election, Democratic nominee Joe Biden won the November 3, 2020 election. Biden will be the 46th president of the US and immigration is one of the pillars of his political campaign.

With Inauguration Day approaching (January 20), when the president-elect takes office, the most vulnerable immigrant communities such as asylum seekers are waiting for his government to deliver on its promises and offer them permanent protection after being constantly threatened by Trump’s policies, which put their lives at risk.

The Biden government plans to remove the Trump administration’s restrictions on the political asylum program. This includes, but is not limited to:

• The Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) or “remain in Mexico.” This policy states that asylum seekers must remain in Mexico while receiving responses to their immigration cases, risking their integrity in dangerous cities and at the mercy of local gangs.
• Restrictive policies that narrow possibilities for asylum seekers, residing within the US, to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
• Restrictions limiting eligibility to apply for political asylum in the US.
• Detention of asylum seekers in immigration detention centers or private prisons that have agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Therefore, the future of asylum seekers in the US depends entirely on decisions made by the incoming government, which must be assertive to prevent a humanitarian and migratory catastrophe both at the borders and within the country.

Complete your immigration process with the help of experts

Now that the Democratic nominee will be the US’ president, immigration policies may change again. Therefore, it is advisable to seek reliable help from experts, who are up to date with immigration policies and can help you choose the right process for your particular case.

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.