CGRS decries yesterday’s devastating Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump Administration to carry out its latest, and perhaps most far-reaching, attempt to slam the door on asylum seekers. Even if this latest asylum ban is ultimately blocked, allowing it to take effect now will have severe consequences, imperiling the lives of countless refugees.
Today CGRS joined 154 organizations in a letter expressing strong opposition to S. 1494, the Secure and Protect Act of 2019, which the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to mark up tomorrow. Introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham earlier this year, S. 1494 would effectively dismantle the U.S. asylum system and punish those who turn to us for safe haven.
On Monday, Attorney General William Barr issued a precedent decision in the case Matter of L-E-A- in a shameful attempt to eliminate asylum for families fleeing harrowing violence. Though Barr’s decision pays lip service to the requirement under U.S. law that asylum claims be judged on an individualized, case-by-case basis, he clearly attempts to impose a general rule that persecution motivated by family group membership will no longer be grounds for asylum.
