The Latest: Lawyer calls Trump’s new asylum rule ‘unlawful’
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the Trump administration’s new rule for Central American migrants seeking U.S. asylum (all times local):
9:50 a.m.
An American Civil Liberties Union attorney says a new Trump administration rule that bars most Central American migrants from seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border is “patently unlawful.”
Attorney Lee Gelernt says the rule, if it goes into effect, would effectively eliminate asylum for those at the southern border.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act governing asylum in the U.S., anyone can claim asylum at the border regardless of how he or she arrived. There are some exceptions, including whether an asylum seeker passed through a “safe” country first.
The new rule published Monday states that anyone who has crossed through another country to get to the U.S. is ineligible for asylum. It’s expected to take effect Tuesday. Tens of thousands of migrant families from Central America have been crossing the U.S.-Mexico border each month.
Attorney General William Barr says the new rule uses “a lawful exercise of authority.”
A legal challenge is expected.
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9:35 a.m.
Attorney General William Barr says a new rule by the Trump administration uses “a lawful exercise of authority” to crack down on asylum claims at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The rule was published Monday and will go into effect Tuesday, blocking migrants from seeking asylum in the United States if they’ve traveled through another country first. Tens of thousands of migrant families from Central America travel through Mexico to the U.S. each month, many claiming asylum.
Barr says the U.S. is being “completely overwhelmed” by migration at the southern border.
Homeland Security acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan says the new rule “will help reduce a major ‘pull’ factor driving irregular migration.”
The rule is almost certain to face a legal challenge.
Immigrant rights groups say the Republican administration’s policies are a cruel effort to keep immigrants out.
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8:45 a.m.
The Trump administration is moving to end asylum protections for most Central American migrants.
A rule published Monday bars migrants from seeking asylum in the United States if they’ve traveled through another country first.
Tens of thousands of migrant families from Central America travel through Mexico to the U.S. each month, many claiming asylum. The Trump administration claims families are taking advantage of legal loopholes it says allow migrants a free pass to the country while they wait out phony asylum requests.
The rule is almost certain to face a legal challenge.
U.S. law allows refugees to request asylum when they arrive at the U.S. regardless of how they did so. But there’s an exception for those who have come through a country considered “safe.”
Immigrant rights groups say the Republican administration’s policies are a cruel effort to keep immigrants out.
