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We found 701 results for "Access to U.S. Asylum"

Press

Human Rights First opposes Biden’s proposal to detain asylum seekers

March 7, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following reports in yesterday’s New York Times that the Biden administration is considering detaining immigrant and asylum-seeking families who cross the border,…

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Fact Sheet

Biden Administration’s Proposed Asylum Ban: Illegal, Inhumane, and No Solution

February 23, 2023

On February 23, 2023, the Biden administration published a proposed rule that would illegally ban many refugees from seeking asylum in the United States and deprive…

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Press

Biden’s Asylum Ban Would Return U.S. to Trump-Style Policy

February 21, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the Biden administration today proposed a rule that would illegally ban many refugees from seeking asylum in the United States due…

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Press

Human Rights First Condemns Administration Plan to Fast-Track Asylum Screenings 

January 27, 2023

WASHINGTON DC – Human Rights First calls on the administration to abandon a plan once used by the Trump administration and focus instead on upholding…

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Fact Sheet

LEADING BY EXAMPLE, HONORING COMMITMENTS:

January 26, 2023

Recommendations for the Biden Administration to Uphold Refugee Law at Home   Two years since President Biden took office, his administration has taken some important initial…

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Fact Sheet

Biden Administration Plan to Resurrect Asylum Ban Advances Trump Agenda

January 17, 2023

Would Condemn Refugees to Return to Harm, Family Separation, and Permanent Limbo On January 5, 2023, the Biden administration announced new policies relating to the…

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Press

Biden Administration Use and Expansion of Trump Policy to Ban People Seeking Asylum Endangers Lives, Tramples Human Rights

January 5, 2023

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration’s announcement of plans to expand use of the Trump-initiated Title 42 policy and resurrect other unlawful Trump policies to ban…

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Press

Rights of Asylum Seekers Put on Hold Again

December 28, 2022

WASHINGTON DC – Human Rights First is deeply disappointed in yesterday’s Supreme Court decision that allows the failed and inhumane Title 42 expulsion policy to…

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Press

Human Rights First Lauds Bill to Modernize American Refugee Protection Systems

December 22, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced the Refugee Protection Act of 2022, which would modernize and strengthen U.S.…

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Press

Title 42: “Human Rights Stain, Public Health Farce”

December 16, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. –  The end of the Title 42 expulsion policy is scheduled for December 21 but supporters of the policy are still attempting to…

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Press

After Documenting Abuses at ICE Berks Detention Center, PHR and Human Rights First Welcome Biden Administration Decision to Close Facility

December 2, 2022

NEW YORK – Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) and Human Rights First welcome reports that the Biden administration will end a contract with the Berks…

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Statement

Addressing the Human Rights Implications of Climate Change Displacement

November 14, 2022

Submission by Human Rights First to the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change This document has been…

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Fact Sheet

Rushed Timelines, Inadequate Access to Legal Representation Impede Meaningful Opportunity to Seek Asylum Under New Asylum Processing Rule

October 21, 2022

On May 31, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began implementing a new asylum process, pursuant to an Interim Final Rule (referred to as…

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Press

Over 100 groups decry linking Venezuelan parole plan to Title 42

October 14, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the Biden administration’s announcement expanding the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) use of Title 42 expulsions against Venezuelans to accompany a…

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Letter

NGO Letter Responding to Expansion of Title 42 Expulsions for Venezuelans

October 14, 2022

Dear Secretary Mayorkas: We, the undersigned organizations committed to the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, write to express our deep disappointment and shock at…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Safe Pathway for Venezuelans, Expresses Grave Concerns about Potential Expanded Use of Title 42

October 12, 2022

WASHINGTON, DC — With news reports that the administration is planning a humanitarian parole program for Venezuelans, Human Rights First looks forward to more information…

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Press

Accenture Honored for Exceptional Corporate Partnership by Human Rights First

October 6, 2022

Human Rights First has selected Accenture to receive the inaugural Human Rights First Award for Exceptional Corporate Partnership for the company’s commitment to the life-changing…

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Blog

PALA Team Launches Welcome.US CEO Council Asylum Clinic for Afghan Asylum-Seekers 

October 3, 2022

By Sophie Salmore Last week, Google, Accenture, Welcome.US, and Human Rights First’s Project: Afghan Legal Assistance (PALA), hosted an asylum clinic at Google’s headquarters in…

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Blog

A Year After Del Rio, Haitian Asylum Seekers Expelled Under Title 42 Are Still Suffering

September 22, 2022

It’s been a year since the U.S. government launched its “comprehensive strategy” that resulted in the mass expulsion of Haitian asylum seekers at the U.S.…

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Fact Sheet

Treat People Seeking U.S. Refuge with Dignity, Not as Political Pawns

September 21, 2022

Recommendations to Congress, the Biden Administration, State and Local Governments In recent weeks, some state governors have used the transportation of migrants and asylum seekers…

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Letter

Letter on “United We Stand” event

September 20, 2022

Dear Ambassador Rice, We applaud the administration’s efforts to address hate through the upcoming summit, United We Stand: Countering Hate-Fueled Violence Together. We believe that…

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Fact Sheet

Upholding President Biden’s Asylum Commitments

September 20, 2022

18-Month Progress Checklist Since February 2021 Executive Order It has been more than one-and-a-half years since President Biden issued his February 2, 2021 Executive Order,…

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Topics

IMMIGRATION DETENTION

September 19, 2022

We press the U.S. government to end harmful immigration detention policies. The U.S. government’s current policy of choice is to lock up asylum seekers in…

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Fact Sheet

Inadequate Access to Legal Representation, Rushed Timelines Impede Meaningful Opportunity to Seek Asylum Under New Asylum Processing Rule

September 14, 2022

On May 31, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began implementing an Interim Final Rule (referred to as the “Asylum Processing Rule,” or APR)…

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Blog

Dobbs Restricts Access to Abortion Services for Asylum Seekers, Represses Reproductive Rights

August 18, 2022

By Ryan Huynh, Intern, Refugee Representation   Late last month, the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs that overturned Roe v. Wade and stripped hundreds of…

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Letter

Asylum Processing Rule Recommendations

August 12, 2022

Dear Secretary Mayorkas, Director Rossi, and Director Jaddou: The undersigned immigrant and refugee advocacy and legal services organizations are dedicated to expanding access to legal…

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Blog

LGBTQ Asylum Seekers Still Facing Grave Dangers Due to Title 42

August 12, 2022

By Teodoro Garcia, Intern, Refugee Protection This week, the Biden administration announced the end of “Remain in Mexico,” a policy that forced migrants and asylum…

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Fact Sheet

CERD: US Discrimination Against Black Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers at the Border and Beyond

August 8, 2022

US Discrimination Against Black Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers at the Border and Beyond Since the CERD Committee last reviewed the US in 2014, the…

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Report

Pretense of Protection

August 3, 2022

Biden Administration and Congress Should Avoid Exacerbating Expedited Removal Deficiencies  The expedited removal process Congress created permits border officers to order the deportation of certain…

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Letter

Immediate Actions that the Biden Administration Should Take to Prevent Further Harm under Remain in Mexico Following the Supreme Court Decision

July 20, 2022

Dear President Biden and Vice President Harris: In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Biden v. Texas, which concluded that the Biden administration acted…

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Story

Refugee Voices – Awoke From Ethiopia

July 19, 2022

Protecting the persecuted is a core American ideal. At Human Rights First, we help asylum seekers who fled persecution and violence navigate the complex U.S.…

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Story

Refugee Voices – Souleymane From Togo

July 18, 2022

Protecting the persecuted is a core American ideal. At Human Rights First, we help asylum seekers who fled persecution and violence navigate the complex U.S.…

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Letter

Letter on Amendments that Would Codify Title 42

July 15, 2022

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairwoman DeLauro, and Ranking Member Granger, The undersigned civil society organizations write to express our grave concern regarding the…

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Fact Sheet

Rhetoric vs Reality: End Dangerous Narratives and Failed Policies, Restore Asylum at Ports of Entry

July 14, 2022

During the summer of 2022, in the wake of a court order continuing the Title 42 policy, asylum seekers remain blocked from seeking asylum at…

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Press

Human Rights First Condemns House Appropriators’ Inclusion of Asylum Ban in FY ‘23 DHS Appropriations Bill

June 24, 2022

Washington, DC – Human Rights First is outraged that the House of Representative Committee on Appropriations voted today to include in the Fiscal Year 2023 Department…

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Testimony

Meeting International Obligations to Welcome and Protect Refugees

June 24, 2022

Testimony of Kennji Kizuka Associate Director of Research and Analysis for Refugee Protection, Human Rights First Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, U.S. Congress “South Korea’s…

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Fact Sheet

Human Rights First Celebrates our 2022 Pro Bono Star Award Winners

June 21, 2022

Human Rights First is proud to announce our 2022 Pro Bono Star Award winners. Following is a little background about these excellent pro bono attorneys…

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Report

The Nightmare Continues: Title 42 Court Order Prolongs Human Rights Abuses, Extends Disorder at U.S. Borders

June 16, 2022

Title 42 Court Order Prolongs Human Rights Abuses, Extends Disorder at U.S. Borders On May 23, 2022, the Title 42 policy was set to end.…

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Letter

Civil Society Letter on Immediate Actions to Mitigate the Harms of Title 42

June 8, 2022

Dear President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, and Director Walensky: The right to seek asylum in the United States is in peril. In spite of conflicting court…

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Fact Sheet

Asylum Process Rule Includes Welcome Improvements, But Critical Flaws Remain to Be Resolved

May 6, 2022

On March 29, 2022, the Biden administration published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that creates a new process for asylum seekers entering the United States.…

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Report

Extending Title 42 Would Escalate Dangers, Exacerbate Disorder, and Magnify Discrimination

April 27, 2022

In April 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that as of May 23, 2022, it would terminate the Title 42 order,…

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Report

“I’m a Prisoner Here”

April 21, 2022

Biden Administration Policies Lock Up Asylum Seekers Today, the United States operates the world’s largest immigration detention system—a system the Biden administration uses to jail…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Steps to Protect Ukrainians and Urges the Biden Administration to Honor its Promise to At-Risk Afghans

April 12, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – While Human Rights First welcomes reports of the establishment of a special parole program for Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression, the organization calls on the Biden…

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Press

Human Rights First Opposes Attempts to Codify Inhumane Title 42 Expulsion Policy

April 7, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Human Rights First opposes the Lankford-Sinema bill that would codify the misuse of Title 42 to illegally block and expel people seeking…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Decision to End Title 42 Policy, Calls for Halt to Expulsions to Danger

April 1, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – After two years of steadfast advocacy, Human Rights First welcomes today’s decision by the Biden administration and the Centers for Disease Control…

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Blog

Faith and Bar Leaders Call for End to Detention and Deterrence Policies For Families Seeking Asylum

April 1, 2022

By Eleanor Acer U.S. faith leaders and the American Bar Association are calling on the Obama administration to end its detention of families and other…

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Press

New Asylum Rule Imposes Counterproductive Rocket Docket Adjudications that Threaten Accurate Asylum Decisions

March 24, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – In response to the new interim final rule issued today by the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, Human Rights First welcomes…

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Blog

Biden Should Speak Out on Trans People Blocked from Leaving Ukraine

March 24, 2022

By Brian Dooley Liana Georgi is an activist with the Safe Bow organization, which helps people from marginalized groups fleeing to safety from Ukraine. It…

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Fact Sheet

Two Years of Suffering: Biden Administration Continues Use of Discredited Title 42 Order to Flout Refugee Law

March 17, 2022

For two years, the U.S. government has illegally blocked and expelled people seeking refuge at the southern U.S. border despite U.S. laws and treaties created…

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Letter

Letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris on Two Years of Title 42

March 10, 2022

Dear President Biden and Vice President Harris: For nearly two years the U.S. government has ruthlessly blocked and expelled people seeking protection at the southern…

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Press

Court of Appeals blocks use of public health to expel families to danger

March 4, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. -- In the wake of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Hisha Huisha v. Mayorkas, Human Rights First calls on the…

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Testimony

U.S. Asylum and Border Policies Resulting in Human Rights Violations

March 1, 2022

Human Rights First’s Submission for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants pursuant to…

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Testimony

Examining the Court-Ordered Reimplementation of the Remain in Mexico Policy

March 1, 2022

March 2, 2022 Human Rights First thanks the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations for holding a hearing on…

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Letter

Joint NGO Letter re: Further Delay in Rescinding Public Health Asylum Ban Rule

February 28, 2022

RE: Security Bars and Processing, DHS Docket No. USCIS 2020-0013 The 135 undersigned faith-based groups, national and local legal services providers, medical and public health…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls on CDC to Rescind Title 42 Order After Easing COVID-19 Mask Mandates

February 25, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – With reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will soon ease its guidelines for COVID-19 mask mandates, Human Rights First reiterates its…

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Fact Sheet

The Opposite of Orderly and Humane: Use of Title 42 Spurs Disorder and Undermines Security

February 22, 2022

The Biden administration’s use of Trump administration policies to turn away people seeking protection along the southern border with Mexico is spurring disorder and escalating…

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Blog

Black immigrants face unique challenges

February 17, 2022

By Reema Ghabra Black Immigrant and Refugee Equity (BIRE) Project Fellow Over the past twenty years, the Black immigrant population in the United States has…

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Press

Immigrant Rights Organizations Call on Biden to Stop Expansion of Surveillance and End the Immigration Detention System as a Whole

February 9, 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. – Yesterday, Axios reported that the Biden administration is planning an expanded home confinement and curfew pilot program for immigrants seeking asylum or other…

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Fact Sheet

Restarting Orderly Process Critical to Managing Arrival of Asylum Seekers at Arizona Border

February 8, 2022

U.S. ports of entry have remained closed to requests for asylum throughout the pandemic, forcing some families and adults to cross the border between ports…

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Letter

Letter to Biden/Harris on Expulsions of Venezuelan Asylum Seekers to Colombia

February 2, 2022

Dear President Biden and Vice President Harris: We, the undersigned organizations committed to the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, write to express our serious…

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Testimony

For the Rule of Law, An Independent Immigration Court

January 19, 2022

Statement for the Record of Human Rights First U.S. House, Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship January 20, 2022 Human Rights First…

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Report

A Shameful Record: Biden Administration’s Use of Trump Policies Endangers People Seeking Asylum

January 13, 2022

Biden Administration’s Use of Trump Policies Endangers People Seeking Asylum Now nearly one year into President Biden’s term, his administration continues to implement and expand…

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Fact Sheet

The Biden Administration at One Year: Urgent Recommendations for Upholding U.S. Refugee Law, Restoring Asylum, and Saving Lives

January 13, 2022

One year after President Biden took office, his administration has taken steps to end some Trump administration policies that blocked refugees from asylum but has…

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Blog

Supporting Afghans even as they fade from the news

January 3, 2022

By Sophie Salmore Out of a combined 14,000-plus minutes of the national evening news broadcast on CBS, ABC, and NBC in 2020, just five minutes…

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Blog

The CDC’S Extension of the Title 42 Order: Misusing Public Health Authority

December 20, 2021

By: Diandra Coonghe, HRF Intern   Human Rights First Fall 2021 Communications Intern Diandra Coonghe is studying biological science at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She prepared…

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Fact Sheet

Inhumane Again: Remain in Mexico Rollout Confirms Endemic Flaws of Unfixable Policy

December 16, 2021

As the Biden administration began its rollout of Remain in Mexico (RMX) 2.0 in early December 2021, Human Rights First researchers observed the initial returns…

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Fact Sheet

Biden Administration Poised to Eliminate Critical Safeguard Amid Escalating Reports of Erroneous Credible Fear Decisions

December 8, 2021

Across the country, non-profit legal services organizations and individual attorneys have received alarming recent reports of asylum seekers from Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and…

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Letter

Joint NGO Letter on U.S. Compliance with Convention Against Torture Obligations

December 1, 2021

Dear Secretary Blinken, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, Chargé d’Affaires Moeling, and Ambassador Rice: We write to express deep concerns about reports that the Biden administration has submitted…

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Fact Sheet

Belarus-Poland Border: U.S. Should Stand for Human Rights and Human Lives

November 10, 2021

Over the last week, human rights challenges at the Belarus-Poland border have escalated, as Belarus pushes migrants and refugees toward the border and Poland sends…

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Fact Sheet

Border Restrictions Lift, But Biden Administration Blocks Protection for Asylum Seekers and Children

November 8, 2021

On November 8, 2021, the Biden administration lifted restrictions on non-essential travel at the U.S.-Mexico border, allowing vaccinated individuals with “appropriate documentation” to enter the…

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Fact Sheet

Recommendations for the Biden Administration: Upholding U.S. Refugee Law and Restoring Asylum

October 27, 2021

The Trump administration trampled on U.S. refugee laws and treaties, illegally turning away people seeking humanitarian protection and spurring disorder and chaos along the U.S.-Mexico…

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Press

Next Steps After Evacuation of 70,000 Afghans Must Include Access to Counsel, Pathway to Legal Permanent Residency

October 22, 2021

WASHINGTON — Since the fall of Kabul in mid-August, more than 70,000 Afghans have been evacuated to the United States, with thousands more expected to arrive…

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Report

“Illegal and Inhumane”: Biden Administration Continues Embrace of Trump Title 42 Policy as Attacks on People Seeking Refuge Mount

October 21, 2021

Nine months after taking office, President Biden’s administration continues to embrace and defend, rather than end, the Trump administration’s “Title 42” policy, which misuses public…

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Letter

Legal Service Providers Joint Letter on MPP

October 19, 2021

Dear President Biden, Vice President Harris, Secretary Mayorkas, and Attorney General Garland: The undersigned 73 legal services providers, law school clinics, and law firms, write…

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Letter

Human Rights First Comment on Asylum Process Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

October 18, 2021

Human Rights First submits these comments in response to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Executive Office for Immigration…

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Press

Groups File Emergency Request to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for Asylum Seekers Expelled to Danger

October 7, 2021

WASHINGTON — The Lowenstein Project at Yale Law School submitted today an emergency request for precautionary measures against the United States on behalf of asylum…

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Press

After Appeals Court Stay, Human Rights First Renews Call for Biden Administration to End Trump Expulsion Policy

October 1, 2021

NEW YORK – In the wake of an appeals court order yesterday, Human Rights First reiterated its calls for the Biden administration to stop defending the…

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Letter

Civil and Human Rights Leaders Letter to President Biden on Haitian Expulsions

September 22, 2021

Dear President Biden, As leaders of civil rights and human rights organizations, we write at an inflection point for your Administration’s commitment to a humane…

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Fact Sheet

Biden Administration’s Dangerous Haitian Expulsion Strategy Escalates the U.S. History of Illegal and Discriminatory Mistreatment of Haitians Seeking Safety in the United States

September 21, 2021

On September 18, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a “comprehensive strategy” to expel thousands of Haitian and other asylum-seeking families and adults…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls on Biden Administration to Uphold the Law & End Title 42 Expulsions

September 20, 2021

WASHINGTON — As the Biden administration ramps up its expulsion of Haitians and making arbitrary distinctions between groups fleeing persecution and danger, Human Rights First…

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Letter

Joint Letter to President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas & AG Garland on Title 42

September 17, 2021

Dear President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, and Attorney General Garland: In the wake of multiple federal court decisions holding that your administration’s policies are likely unlawful,…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Court Order Blocking Illegal Expulsions of Asylum-Seeking Families

September 16, 2021

NEW YORK – Human Rights First today welcomed a federal court order blocking the Biden administration from expelling families to danger under the Title 42 policy, which uses…

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Fact Sheet

Any Version of “Remain in Mexico” Policy Would Be Unlawful, Inhumane, and Deadly

September 9, 2021

On August 24, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to stay a federal court ruling that orders the U.S government to re-implement the…

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Letter

The Resurrection of Expedited Removal: Biden Administration Reverting to and Expanding Anti-Immigration Tactics

September 8, 2021

By Chloe Lowell, Human Rights First Intern   President Biden campaigned on a promise to reverse inhumane asylum policies, create fair processes, and welcome refugees…

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Report

Human Rights Travesty: Biden Administration Embrace of Trump Asylum Expulsion Policy Endangers Lives, Wreaks Havoc

August 24, 2021

More than seven months since President Biden took office, the U.S. government continues to turn away and block people seeking protection at U.S. ports of…

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Press

New Report Finds Biden Administration’s Embrace of Title 42 Expulsions Leading to Human Rights Travesty

August 24, 2021

Research from Human Rights First Shows Kidnappings and Attacks Against Asylum Seekers Continue to Mount NEW YORK – Asylum seekers face horrific danger at the U.S.…

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Press

Human Rights First Expresses Concern on Some Proposed Asylum Changes

August 18, 2021

WASHINGTON – Human Rights First welcomed some changes included in a proposed asylum rule posted today by the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Justice, but expressed concerns…

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Letter

Letter to President Biden on Expulsion Flights to Southern Mexico & Changes to Asylum Processing

August 13, 2021

Dear President Biden, Secretary Mayorkas, Ambassador Rice, and Advisor Sullivan: We, the 95 undersigned organizations, write to express our profound disappointment at Secretary Mayorkas’s remarksyesterday…

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Press

Human Rights First Decries Biden’s New Expulsion Policy to Southern Mexico

August 12, 2021

Policy Adds New Layer to Biden Administration Use of Title 42 WASHINGTON — Human Rights First condemns the Biden administration’s new expulsions of asylum seekers…

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Letter

NGO Letter to Biden Administration Expressing Profound Disappointment in Continued Violations of Refugee Law

August 6, 2021

Dear President Biden: As the world marks the 70th anniversary of the Refugee Convention, our 178 faith-based, humanitarian, legal services, immigration, and human rights organizations…

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Press

Human Rights First: New Title 42 Order Continues Harmful Policy, Puts Asylum Seekers at Risk in Mexico

August 2, 2021

WASHINGTON — Human Rights First expressed grave concern about a new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) order issued today, based on Title 42 of U.S.…

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Fact Sheet

Assessment: U.S. Compliance with the Refugee Convention at its 70th Anniversary

July 27, 2021

As the world marks the 70th Anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention on July 28, 2021, the United States continues to flout its legal obligations…

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Blog

To Protect the Lives of LGBTQ Asylum Seekers, the Biden Administration Must Fully End Title 42

July 21, 2021

By Julia Neusner, Human Rights First Emem Maurus, Transgender Law Center   The Biden administration continues to misuse the Trump administration’s Title 42 policy to…

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Letter

Letter to DHS on Prolonged Detention of Asylum Seekers Following Guzman Chavez Ruling

July 21, 2021

Dear Secretary Mayorkas: We, the undersigned organizations and legal clinics, write to urge the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) to ensure that people seeking protection…

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Fact Sheet

Detaining People Seeking Protection: Inhumane, Unnecessary, and Wasteful

July 14, 2021

Jailing people seeking asylum protection in U.S. immigration detention centers is a cruel and costly mistake. Detention inflicts enormous physical and psychological harm, exacerbates trauma…

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Letter

Letter to DHS on Enforcement Priorities and Asylum Seekers

July 13, 2021

Dear Secretary Mayorkas, We, the undersigned organizations, write to urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to stop targeting…

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Letter

Letter re: Immediate Procedural Steps for Fair Treatment of Asylum Seekers Wrongfully Deported to Danger in Guatemala Under the “Asylum Cooperative Agreement” Program

July 9, 2021

Dear Secretary Mayorkas, Secretary Blinken, and Attorney General Garland: The undersigned organizations urge this administration to take prompt and concrete action to address the harm…

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Press

New Report Shows Grave Dangers Asylum Seekers Face in Ciudad Juárez

July 8, 2021

NEW YORK — With reports that the Biden administration may extend the use of the Title 42 policy to illegally block and expel single adult asylum seekers from…

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Report

Disorderly and Inhumane: Biden Administration Continues to Expel Asylum Seekers to Danger While U.S. Border Communities Stand Ready to Welcome

July 8, 2021

In late June 2021, during a visit to El Paso, Vice President Kamala Harris affirmed that the Biden administration is “committed to ensuring that our…

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Press

Human Rights First: Evacuation to Central Asia Wrong Move for Afghan Allies

July 2, 2021

WASHINGTON — Human Rights First and Veterans for American Ideals strongly condemn the Biden administration’s decision to ask the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan…

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Letter

Letter to President Biden on reported Title 42 expulsion policy extension

June 30, 2021

Dear President Biden: We, the 109 undersigned organizations, write to express our alarm and disappointment that your administration is reportedly considering plans to continue to…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Further ‘Remain in Mexico’ Wind Down

June 22, 2021

More Needed to Protect Asylum Seekers Subjected to the Illegal Policy WASHINGTON — Today, the Biden administration indicated it would take additional steps that would…

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Report

Update: Grave Dangers Continue for Asylum Seekers Blocked In, Expelled to Mexico by Biden Administration

June 22, 2021

The Biden administration continues to expel and turn away asylum seekers to life-threatening dangers in Mexico without access to U.S. asylum protections guaranteed by domestic…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes Step Toward Repairing the Asylum System

June 16, 2021

WASHINGTON — Human Rights First welcomed today’s decision by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to vacate rulings in Matter of A-B- and Matter of L-E-A-, a…

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Letter

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Human Rights of Migrants in the United States

June 15, 2021

Human Rights First’s Submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants This submission…

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Press

Human Rights First Applauds Announcement for Central American Minors

June 15, 2021

WASHINGTON — Human Rights First welcomes the Biden administration’s announcement today of plans to expand the categories of persons who can petition to bring children to safety in…

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Press

Human Rights First Calls for Action to Fully End ‘Remain in Mexico’

June 2, 2021

WASHINGTON — Following the Department of Homeland Security’s issuance of a memorandum yesterday formally ending the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), Human Rights First called on the Biden administration…

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Press

Human Rights First Concerned Biden Plan Risks New “Rocket Dockets” When It Should End Trump Asylum Policies

May 28, 2021

NEW YORK – Human Rights First expressed concerns that new Biden administration policies announced today risk undermining due process in asylum adjudications while the administration continues to…

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Press

The U.S. Must Deliver on its Commitment to Afghan Allies, Not Send Them to a Third Country

May 27, 2021

WASHINGTON — With the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from Afghanistan proceeding swiftly, the fate of more than 17,000 Afghans who served American forces and…

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Fact Sheet

Leading by Example or Undermining Protection: U.S. Compliance with the Refugee Convention at its 70th Anniversary

May 27, 2021

On July 28, 2021, the world will mark the 70th Anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. In the wake of World War II, the United…

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Letter

NGO Letter and Recommendations on MPP Wind Down

May 18, 2021

Dear Secretary Blinken, Attorney General Garland, and Secretary Mayorkas: Our faith-based, humanitarian, legal services, immigration, and human rights organizations and law school clinics welcome the…

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Fact Sheet

Biden Administration Title 42 Expulsions of Families and Adults to Nuevo Laredo Fuel Kidnappings and Endanger Lives

May 13, 2021

The Biden administration’s use of Title 42 to expel families and adults to extremely dangerous Nuevo Laredo in Tamaulipas, Mexico is contributing to already epidemic…

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Fact Sheet

Do Expedited Asylum Screenings and Adjudications at the Border Work?

May 6, 2021

Expedited processing of asylum requests at the border hinges on unfair and unrealistic expectations that people seeking asylum, who on arrival at the border are…

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Letter

Letter to Attorney General and DHS Secretary on Asylum System Reforms

April 15, 2021

Dear Attorney General Garland and Secretary Mayorkas: In the wake of recent reports that the Biden administration is considering systemic asylum reforms, we write to…

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Report

“I am in limbo:” Our New Report on the Asylum Backlog and how the Biden Administration Should Resolve it

April 12, 2021

Family separation takes many forms in the U.S. immigration system. By the time public outcry forced the Trump Administration to halt its explicit family separation…

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Letter

NGO Letter to Biden Administration on Recent Asylum Statements and Actions

March 30, 2021

Dear President Biden, The United States led efforts to draft the Refugee Convention in the wake of World War II and, in the Refugee Act…

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Letter

Letter to DHS and the State Department on the MPP Wind Down Process

March 12, 2021

Dear Secretaries Mayorkas and Blinken: Our faith-based, humanitarian, legal services, immigration, and human rights organizations and law school clinics welcome the administration’s initial steps to…

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Letter

NGO Letter to Biden Administration on Asylum Seeker Expulsions to Haiti

March 3, 2021

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Letter

NGO Letter Urging DHS to Reject Use of Expedited Removal

February 16, 2021

Dear Secretary Mayorkas, Our undersigned faith-based, immigration, civil rights, and human rights organizations urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reject the use of…

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Letter

NGO Letter to Biden Administration Welcoming Asylum Executive Order, Urging Swift Rescission of Harmful Policies

February 9, 2021

Dear President Biden: The executive orders your administration issued last week are welcome initial steps toward ending the illegal and inhumane asylum and border policies…

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Press

Human Rights First Welcomes First Steps to Repair Damage to Asylum System

February 2, 2021

Urgent Action Still Needed to Transit Vulnerable People to Safety in the U.S. WASHINGTON – Human Rights First welcomed President Biden’s executive orders and announcement of…

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Press

NGO Letter to Biden Administration Urging End to Misuse of Title 42 Public Health Authority

February 2, 2021

Dear President Biden: We write to urge your administration to immediately end the misuse of Title 42 public health authority to illegally and inhumanely expel…

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Fact Sheet

Recommendations for Biden Administration: Welcoming the Persecuted, Restoring Order, and Upholding Asylum Law, Refugee Treaties and Values

January 25, 2021

The Trump administration destroyed the U.S. asylum system, trampled on refugee laws and treaties, and spurred chaos and disorder at the border. Through that administration’s…

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Letter

“We Need Someone to See Us”: To Save Lives, the Biden Administration Should Quickly Restore Refugee Protection

January 13, 2021

Ana and Jorge, an Afro-Cuban couple, were kidnapped soon after U.S. border officers expelled them to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico in 2020. They’d crossed the border…

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Report

Humanitarian Disgrace: U.S. Continues to Illegally Block, Expel Refugees to Danger

December 16, 2020

The Trump Administration continues to break U.S. laws and treaty obligations that protect refugees from persecution, returning to danger people seeking protection at the southern…

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Press

Humanitarian Disgrace: Human Rights First Blasts Ongoing Human Rights Abuses in U.S. Policies Targeting Asylum Seekers

December 16, 2020

WASHINGTON – In a new report, Human Rights First details the disgraceful abuse of the human rights of refugees at the U.S. southern border. The Trump…

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Fact Sheet

Use of Public Health as Pretext to Ban and Block Refugees

December 15, 2020

Over objections of senior Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) experts and following instructions by Trump Administration officials, the CDC issued a highly flawed…

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Fact Sheet

Cameroonian Asylum Seekers Increasingly Detained, Denied Asylum Under Trump Administration

November 6, 2020

Between fiscal years (FY) 2010 and 2019, more than three-quarters of Cameroonian asylum seekers (76 percent on average) were granted asylum in U.S. immigration courts.…

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Story, Updates

Government Records Shed Light on Illegal Expulsions of Asylum Seekers and Children

October 30, 2020

Human Rights First has received previously undisclosed records that reveal how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been carrying out illegal expulsions of asylum…

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Press

Human Rights First Decries New Rules to Limit Asylum Eligibility

October 21, 2020

Rules would create sweeping new categorical bars to asylum and eliminate rules intended to ensure refugee families are not separated WASHINGTON  — Human Rights First…

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Press

New Report Details Transit Ban Asylum Denials and Family Separations, Proposed Rule Would Revive Illegal Ban Despite Court Rulings

July 15, 2020

WASHINGTON – A year since the Trump administration’s third-country transit asylum ban was issued, this ban has caused the United States to deny asylum to…

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Report

Asylum Denied, Families Divided: Trump Administration’s Illegal Third-Country Transit Ban

July 15, 2020

One year ago, on July 16, 2019, the Trump administration issued a rule barring asylum for virtually all refugees who travel through another country on…

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Letter

CBP Blocking “Migrant Protection Protocols” Fear Screenings

June 20, 2020

Dear Acting Secretary Wolf and Acting Commissioner Morgan: We write to express our urgent concern that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Border Patrol…

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Fact Sheet

Grant Rates Plummet as Trump Administration Dismantles U.S. Asylum System, Blocks and Deports Refugees

June 11, 2020

On June 10, 2020, the Trump Administration proposed an expansive, new regulation that, if implemented, would eviscerate asylum protections for the vast majority of people…

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Fact Sheet

Is Honduras Safe for Refugees and Asylum Seekers?

May 1, 2020

On May 1, 2020, the Trump administration published an agreement signed with Honduras in September 2019, that purports to allow the United States to transfer…

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Press

Human Rights First Responds to COVID19’s Impacts by Joining #GivingTuesdayNow

April 30, 2020

Washington, D.C. – While the world’s focus is on COVID19, those affected by the disease, and the economic impacts of the pandemic, the issues that Human…

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Letter

Comment on Interim Final Rule: Suspension of Introduction of Persons Into United States

April 23, 2020

April 23, 2020 On March 20, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued…

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Letter

COVID-19 and the Remain in Mexico / “Migrant Protection Protocols” Policy

April 14, 2020

April 14, 2020 Dear Acting Secretary Wolf, Acting Commissioner Morgan, Acting Director Albence and Director McHenry: In light of the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic, our 27 legal,…

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Press

HRF Concern Regarding Commission on Unalienable Rights

April 14, 2020

Department of State Commission on Unalienable Rights C/O Mr. F. Cartwright Weiland, Office of Policy Planning Prof. Mary Ann Glendon, Chair U.S. Department of State…

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Press

Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis While Protecting Asylum Seekers – Update

March 25, 2020

(Updated March 25, 2020) Amnesty International USA, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières USA, Human Rights First, Physicians for Human Rights, Refugees International, and Women’s Refugee…

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Press

Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis While Protecting Asylum Seekers

March 19, 2020

Amnesty International USA, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières USA, Human Rights First, Physicians for Human Rights, Refugees International, and Women’s Refugee Commission call on the Trump…

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Press

Human Rights Advocates with Medical and Legal Expertise Call on Governors, State Health Officials to Direct Reduction, Release of Immigration Detainees to Prevent Coronavirus Spread

March 17, 2020

New York City – Calling on governors and state health officials to use their authority to act in the interest of public health and protect immigration…

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Letter

Asylum Seekers in Remain in Mexico / “Migrant Protection Protocols” Policy

March 6, 2020

Dear Acting Secretary Wolf: Our 153 legal representation, refugee assistance, faith-based, human rights, and community groups write to urge your agency to end the “Migrant Protection Protocols” (“MPP”),…

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Press

Ninth Circuit Court Issues Ruling Against “Remain in Mexico” Policy; Recorded Abuses of Asylum-Seekers in Mexico Top 1,000 Cases

February 28, 2020

A year after “remain in Mexico” policy began, HRF finds more than 1,000 reports of kidnappings, assaults and rape of asylum-seekers Washington, D.C. – Today,…

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Press

Marking One Year of the Horrific “Remain in Mexico” Policy – Over 800 Violent Attacks on Asylum-Seekers

January 22, 2020

WASHINGTON – Next week marks one year since the Trump administration began forcibly returning asylum-seekers to wait for their court dates in Mexico, where they…

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Letter

Comments in Opposition to Proposed Rulemaking: Procedures for Asylum and Bars to Asylum Eligibility

January 21, 2020

January 21, 2020 Human Rights First submits these comments in response to the proposed regulations to amend regulations relating to eligibility for asylum published in…

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Press

Groups File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Trump Administration’s So-Called ‘Safe Third Country’ Asylum Policy

January 15, 2020

WASHINGTON — The American Civil Liberties Union, National Immigrant Justice Center, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, and Human Rights First filed a federal lawsuit today challenging…

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Report

Human Rights Fiasco: The Trump Administration’s Dangerous Asylum Returns Continue

December 5, 2019

In January 2019, the Trump Administration started forcibly returning asylum seekers to Mexico under a new policy farcically dubbed the “Migrant Protection Protocols” (MPP). Waiting…

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Human Rights Fiasco: The Trump Administration’s Dangerous Asylum Returns Continue

December 5, 2019

In January 2019, the Trump Administration started forcibly returning asylum seekers to Mexico under a new policy farcically dubbed the “Migrant Protection Protocols” (MPP). Waiting…

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Press

Human Rights First Heralds Legislation to Restore American Leadership to Refugee Protection

November 21, 2019

Legislation will overhaul the American refugee system to reassert humane U.S. leadership on refugee protection and resettlement WASHINGTON – Today, Human Rights First lauds Senator…

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Report

Orders from Above: Massive Human Rights Abuses Under Trump Administration Return to Mexico Policy

October 1, 2019

In September 2019, the Trump Administration’s policy of returning asylum seekers to Mexico, which it farcically refers to as the “Migrant Protection Protocols” (MPP), entered…

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Report

Orders from Above: Massive Human Rights Abuses Under Trump Administration Return to Mexico Policy

October 1, 2019

In September 2019, the Trump Administration’s policy of returning asylum seekers to Mexico, which it farcically refers to as the “Migrant Protection Protocols” (MPP), entered…

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Fact Sheet

Trump Administration Delivers Asylum Seekers to Grave Danger in Mexico: 200+ Publicly Reported Cases of Rape, Kidnapping, and Assault Just the Tip of the Iceberg

September 17, 2019

Since January 2019, the Trump Administration has expelled 45,000 asylum seekers and migrants, including Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans and Central Americans, to Mexico under the so-called “Migrant Protection…

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Fact Sheet

Trump Administration’s Third-Country Transit Bar is An Asylum Ban that Will Return Refugees to Danger

September 13, 2019

The Trump Administration’s third-country transit asylum bar, issued as an interim final rule on July 16, 2019, effectively bans asylum for the vast majority of…

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Press

New Work Authorization Rule for Asylum Seekers Could Have Devastating Consequences

September 6, 2019

Washington, D.C.—In response to a proposed new regulation that would eliminate requirements that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) decide on first-time applications for employment…

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Fact Sheet

CAIR Coalition v. Trump: A Case Summary

August 28, 2019

The Trump administration has launched an unprecedented assault against asylum seekers. In its latest move, it issued a sweeping asylum ban, barring from asylum eligibility…

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Press

New Trump Administration Rule an Attempt to End Asylum

July 15, 2019

Washington, D.C.—In response to the anticipated release of a new interim final rule from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security attempting to ban those…

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Blog

The Trump Administration’s Migrant Persecution Protocols

July 12, 2019

By Kennji Kizuka Coauthored with Victoria Rossi On Thursday, we met Blanca*, who fled homophobic violence in Guatemala with her partner Laura*, and Laura’s son…

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Fact Sheet

Is Guatemala Safe for Refugees and Asylum Seekers?

July 1, 2019

The Trump Administration is pursuing an agreement with Guatemala under which the United States would turn away asylum seekers from Honduras, El Salvador and other…

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Blog

The Trump Administration’s Migrant Persecution Protocols

June 12, 2019

By Kennji Kizuka Coauthored with Victoria Rossi On Thursday, we met Blanca*, who fled homophobic violence in Guatemala with her partner Laura*, and Laura’s son…

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Letter

Letter to Attorney General Barr and Acting Secretary McAleenan RE: White House Memorandum Proposing Additional Asylum Restrictions

June 5, 2019

White House Memorandum Proposing Additional Asylum Restrictions Dear Attorney General Barr and Acting Secretary McAleenan: The undersigned organizations write to express our deep concern and…

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Fact Sheet

Courts and Congress Misled About Trump Administration Policy Forcing Asylum Seekers to “Remain in Mexico”

May 10, 2019

Since January 2019, the Trump Administration has forced more than four thousand Central Americans trying to request asylum at the southern border to return to…

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Fact Sheet

Callous and Calculated: Longer Work Authorization Bar Endangers Lives of Asylum Seekers and Their Families

April 29, 2019

U.S. immigration law and regulations provide asylum seekers with work authorization documents, which allow them to accept employment after their asylum applications have been pending for at least 180…

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Report

Barred at the Border: Wait “Lists” Leave Asylum Seekers in Peril at Texas Ports of Entry

April 22, 2019

  While President Trump reportedly demanded that former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen resign over her failure to block all asylum seekers from entering the country,…

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Blog

Asylum Seekers Barred at the Border Make the Choice to Survive

April 22, 2019

By Kennji Kizuka In late February, we interviewed *Daniel at the Karnes family detention center in Texas. Daniel had fled political persecution in Nicaragua and arrived in…

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Press

Attorney General Decision Seeks to Jail Refugees Indefinitely

April 17, 2019

New York City—In response to Attorney General Barr’s decision attempting to strip refugees of bond hearings, thereby holding them in detention indefinitely, Human Rights First’s…

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Blog

Real Solutions to the Disorder at the Border

April 10, 2019

By Eleanor Acer Anti-refugee rhetoric and policies have characterized the Trump presidency. Now, as he transitions to campaign mode ahead of the 2020 election, he’s doubling-down.…

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Fact Sheet

The Real Solution: Regional Response Rather than Border Closures, Mass Incarceration, and Refugee Returns

April 5, 2019

The Trump Administration has purposefully mismanaged the refugee and humanitarian challenges pushing people to flee political repression, human rights abuses, economic deprivation, and climate displacement…

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Blueprint

The Real Solution: Regional Response Rather than Border Closures, Mass Incarceration, and Refugee Returns

April 5, 2019

The Trump Administration has purposefully mismanaged the refugee and humanitarian challenges pushing people to flee political repression, human rights abuses, economic deprivation, and climate displacement…

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Blog

The Uncertainty and Trauma of Family Detention

March 22, 2019

By Jane Randel  Co-President, Karp Randel In late February 2019, I toured two family immigration detention centers in South Texas—one for women and their children…

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Blog

The End the Shutdown and Secure the Border Act Would Ban Asylum for Central American Children

January 23, 2019

By Kennji Kizuka The Trump-McConnell bill—the “End the Shutdown and Secure the Border Act”—is nothing more than a hateful anti-immigration wish list, designed to hold the…

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Report

Prisons and Punishment: Immigration Detention in California

January 15, 2019

In the name of national security, the Trump Administration has taken numerous steps that threaten the human rights of asylum seekers and other immigrants. Several…

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Press

New Report Documents Mental, Physical, Legal Impact of Increased Detention in California

January 15, 2019

Los Angeles—Human Rights First today released a new report analyzing the mental, physical, and legal impacts of massive overuse of immigration detention in California. Prisons and Punishment: Immigration…

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Blog

Secretary Nielsen Testifies Before the House Judiciary Committee: A Resource Guide

December 20, 2018

This morning’s House Judiciary Committee hearing will be a tough morning for current Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen. Following increasing reports of forced bottlenecks…

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Press

Federal Judge Ruling a Victory for Asylum Seekers

December 19, 2018

Washington, D.C.—In response to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia striking down policies that made it nearly impossible for victims of domestic…

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Blog

Seven-Year-Old Child Dies in CBP Custody: DHS Response Furthers Falsehoods

December 14, 2018

On December 13, the Washington Post reported that Jakelin Amei Rosmery Caal Maquin, a seven-year-old girl from Guatemala died from dehydration and shock while in Border Patrol…

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Blog

Trump Administration Policies are Devastatingly Cruel to Children

November 29, 2018

President Trump’s immigration policies are far-reaching, sometimes difficult to understand, and rooted in hate. But one thing seems to unite them all: a blatant, absolute…

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Fact Sheet

President Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” Plan

November 28, 2018

The Trump Administration is reportedly in talks with representatives of the incoming Mexican government to implement a so-called “Remain in Mexico” plan that would return asylum seekers…

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Blog

FAQ: Why do Asylum Seekers Cross the U.S. Border Between Ports of Entry?

November 27, 2018

Why do those seeking asylum cross between entry points? Here’s a few common reasons: Mexican immigration officials block asylum seekers from approaching U.S. border posts. Even…

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Fact Sheet

Why Do Some Asylum Seekers Cross the U.S. Southern Border Between Ports of Entry?

November 27, 2018

  “Ports of entry” along the U.S. southern border are official crossing points where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers regulate the flow of…

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Blueprint

How the United States Should Address Refugee Protection at its Border

November 9, 2018

As men, women and children flee violence in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, the Trump Administration has launched a barrage of punitive and threatening actions aimed at…

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Press

Statement in Response to President Trump’s Attacks on Refugees

November 1, 2018

New York City—Today in response to the Trump Administration’s announcement on access to protection at the southern border and increased detention for refugees, Human Rights…

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Press

DHS Report Confirms CBP Blocking People Seeking Refugee Protection at Southern Border

October 2, 2018

New York City—Following the release of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report on the Trump Administration’s family separation…

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Blueprint

How to Address the Global Refugee Crisis and Safeguard U.S. National Security

September 10, 2018

Historically, the United States has been a global leader in protecting vulnerable refugees fleeing persecution. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have recognized the moral and…

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Press

Human Rights First Partners with Dechert LLP, Aldea PJC to Provide Representation to Refugee Families Detained in Pennsylvania

July 24, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today announced that it will partner with Dechert LLP and Aldea – The People’s Justice Center to provide free legal representation…

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Blog

Zero-Tolerance Criminal Prosecutions: Punishing Asylum Seekers and Separating Families

July 18, 2018

By Eleni Bakst and Jake Benhabib Between April and June 2018, Human Rights First researchers conducted three monitoring missions to McAllen, Brownsville, Laredo, and El Paso,…

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Press

New Trump Administration Guidance Aims to Block Asylum Access

July 12, 2018

New York City—In response to new guidance put forth by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that aims to block those seeking protection from…

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Press

DHS Secretary Nielsen Meets with Immigration and Human Rights Groups for First Time, Reiterates Trump Administration’s Misinformation and Sidesteps Family Immigration Crisis

July 9, 2018

Washington D.C.—Today, leaders of several immigrant and human rights organizations were invited for the first time under the Trump administration to meet with Secretary of…

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Press

DOJ Proposes New Regulations to Block Asylum Seekers from Protection

June 29, 2018

New York City—Human Rights First today condemned draft regulations reportedly put forth by the Department of Justice that would bar many refugees with well-founded fears of persecution,…

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Blog

What’s Happening to Families at the Border 101

June 19, 2018

So you want to know what’s happening to children at the border and aren’t sure where to start? No problem! It’s complicated. Here we’ve answered…

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Blog

The Trump Administration is Putting Up a “No Vacancy” Sign

June 18, 2018

Reports from across the U.S.-Mexico border show that border agents are once again illegally turning away families seeking protection. Our report, Crossing The Line, exposed this…

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Press

New Report Documents Mental, Physical, Legal Impact of Increased Detention in Texas

June 14, 2018

Houston, Texas—As the Trump Administration ramps up detention of refugees and migrants as part of its zero-tolerance policy, Human Rights First today released a new report analyzing…

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Report

Ailing Justice: Texas. Soaring Immigration Detention, Shrinking Due Process

June 14, 2018

Key Findings: Many immigrants in Texas, including asylum seekers, remain in unnecessary, lengthy, and prolonged detention—sometimes for well over one year. Among those in prolonged detention:…

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Press

Human Rights First Witnesses Administration’s Attempts to Stall Refugee Caravan

April 30, 2018

San Ysidro, California—Human Rights First today called on the Trump Administration to end its attempts to hinder members of the refugee caravan from seeking protection…

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Press

Human Rights First to Assist Asylum Seekers in “Caravan” Arriving at Border

April 26, 2018

Los Angeles, California—As a caravan of Central American refugees and migrants makes its way to the U.S. southern border, Human Rights First today announced that…

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Press

Halt of Critical Program is Another Attack on Due Process, Access to Counsel in Immigration Courts

April 11, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned a decision by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to temporarily halt a critical program that provides legal information to detained immigrants and asylum seekers. The suspension of the Legal…

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Fact Sheet

Mexico: Still Not Safe for Refugees and Migrants

March 23, 2018

The Trump Administration seeks to prevent refugees who pass through Mexico from receiving asylum in the United States. In addition to pushing for legislative change…

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Blog

Taking The Fight for Asylum Seekers to Court

March 15, 2018

This year the Trump Administration has engaged in an unprecedented assault on asylum seekers and refugees. From the refugee ban to fear-mongering over MS-13, turning…

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Report

Ailing Justice—New Jersey: Inadequate Healthcare, Indifference, and Indefinite Confinement in Immigration Detention

February 27, 2018

  Every year, the U.S. government locks up hundreds of thousands of immigrants despite the existence of effective—and cost-effective—alternative-to-detention programs. Detention itself can be traumatizing,…

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Press

New Report Documents Physical, Mental Health Care Deficiencies in New Jersey Detention Facilities

February 27, 2018

New York City—Human Rights First today released a new report on immigration detention in New Jersey that analyzes the mental, physical, and legal impacts of detention on…

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Press

Supreme Court Sends Indefinite Detention of Immigrants, Asylum Seekers back to Ninth Circuit

February 27, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Jennings v. Rodriguez, in which the Court sent the case back to the Ninth Circuit to evaluate the constitutionality of…

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Press

Secure and Succeed Act Holds Dreamers Hostage, Punishes Asylum Seekers

February 13, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned introduction of the Secure and Succeed Act, calling the legislation a cruel attempt to punish asylum seekers and migrants…

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Press

Human Rights First Tours New Jersey Immigration Detention Facilities

February 9, 2018

New York City—Following tours this week of three immigration detention facilities in New Jersey, Human Rights First calls on the Trump Administration, Immigration and Customs…

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Press

New Guidelines for Asylum Processing Will Harm Refugees Stuck in the Backlog

January 31, 2018

New York City—Human Rights First warned that changes announced today by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process asylum applications in reverse order—with the newest…

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Press

Administrative Holds DACA Hostage to Undermine Asylum, Refugee System

January 26, 2018

New York City—Human Rights First today denounced the Trump Administration’s immigration framework—billed as a “legislative fix” for protecting DACA recipients—as a shameful and dishonest ploy…

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Press

Administration Urged to Resume Processing Refugees as 90-Day Ban Expires

January 23, 2018

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today calls on the Trump Administration to resume processing of refugees from 11 countries that had been subjected to the president’s…

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Press

Report Documents Administration’s Shameful Criminal Prosecution of Asylum Seekers at Border

January 19, 2018

New York City—A new report released today shows that amid President Trump’s campaign to block refugees seeking protection from this country, his administration has increased the criminal…

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Press

Goodlatte Bill Aims to Divide Families and Harm Refugees in Need of Protection

January 10, 2018

New York City—Human Rights First today urged Congress to reject the “Securing America’s Future Act” introduced today by Representatives Goodlatte, Labrador, McCaul, and McSally, which…

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Blog

Asylum Seekers Wrongfully Prosecuted at the Border

November 17, 2017

By Olga Byrne Last week, I was in federal court for the Western District of Texas to observe criminal proceedings against individuals charged with violating section 1325…

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Blog

Will Trump DHS Nominee Adhere to International Law?

November 8, 2017

This content originally appeared in the Huffington Post On Wednesday, the Senate Homeland Security Committee will have the opportunity to question Kirstjen Nielson, President Trump’s…

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Blog

The Jane Doe Case and the Denial of Health Care to Detained Immigrants

November 6, 2017

On October 24, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ordered the federal government to refrain from blocking Jane Doe, a pregnant 17-year-old…

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Blog

Next Steps After Regional Refugee Conference in Honduras

October 31, 2017

By Eleanor Acer On Thursday evening in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, I watched as a number of Central American states adopted a declaration agreeing to…

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Blog

Trump’s DREAMer Negotiations Threaten Other Child Migrants

October 24, 2017

A little more than one month after President Trump’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, his administration issued a list…

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Press

New Report on Immigration Court Backlog Reveals Administration’s Efforts to Undermine Asylum System

October 17, 2017

New York City—As the Trump Administration continues its attack on the U.S. refugee protection system, Human Rights First today released a new report that analyzes…

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Report

Titled Justice: Backlogs Grow While Fairness Shrinks in U.S. Immigration Courts

October 17, 2017

The backlog in the U.S. immigration courts has reached an all-time high, with 632,261 cases pending as of August 2017. In some of the nation’s…

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Press

Sessions Spreads Lies about U.S. Asylum System

October 12, 2017

Washington, D.C.—In response to Attorney General Jeff Sessions’s speech today on the U.S. asylum system, Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer has released the following statement:…

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Blog

Sessions Presses Bogus Asylum Narrative at the Immigration Courts

October 12, 2017

By Eleanor Acer This morning, Attorney General Jeff Sessions traveled to the headquarters of the U.S. immigration courts in Falls Church, Virginia to attack asylum…

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Fact Sheet

Trump Administration Immigration Policy Priorities

October 12, 2017

On October 8, 2017, the Trump Administration released a set of “Immigration Policy Priorities,”—a list of demands to be included in legislation that would address…

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Press

Administration Immigration “Principles” Extreme Attempt to Shut Out Refugees

October 9, 2017

New York City—Last night the Trump Administration set forth a list of “Immigration Policy Priorities,” which come as lawmakers debate a deal to allow Deferred…

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Blog

A Second Chance for Detained Asylum Seekers in Jennings v. Rodriguez

October 5, 2017

As I waited outside of the Supreme Court Tuesday morning to observe the case Jennings v. Rodriguez, the line wrapped around the block. To my…

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Report

Judge and Jailer: Asylum Seekers Denied Parole in Wake of Trump Executive Order

September 29, 2017

On January 25, 2017, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to allocate “all legally available resources” to…

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Press

United States to Admit All-Time Low Number of Refugees in 2018

September 27, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the Trump Administration for setting the refugee admissions goal at an all-time low number for fiscal year 2018. After…

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Press

Administration to Set Refugee Admissions Cap at All-Time Low

September 13, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Following reports that the administration is considering dropping the number of admitted refugees to an all-time low for fiscal year 2018, Human Rights First…

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Blog

Remembering Juan Osuna

August 22, 2017

Juan Osuna, the former director of the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), passed away suddenly last week. He will be sorely missed. Juan served…

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Blog

Stephen Miller and Emma’s Torch

August 10, 2017

By Rosalind Faulkner Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates…

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Press

Human Rights First Files Amicus in Support of U.S.-Affiliated Iraqi Refugees

August 4, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Yesterday, Human Rights First filed an amicus curiae brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco in the case of Hawaii v. Trump in support of the thousands…

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Blog

Left Behind: Refugee Ban Abandons Vulnerable Orphans

August 2, 2017

By Andrea Gillespie If the Lost Boys of Sudan were seeking safety in the United States today, they would be out of luck. In 1999,…

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Press

House Bill Would Return Persecuted Refugees to Danger

July 26, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged members of the House Judiciary Committee to reject the Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act when it marks up…

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Blog

Seeking Asylum is Not a Crime, but Trump is Prosecuting Them Anyway

July 20, 2017

In the month since Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum asking all federal prosecutors to make “immigration offenses higher priorities,” criminal prosecutions for “illegal entry” and “reentry”…

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Press

Trump Administration Increasing Prosecution for First-Time Border Crossers in Arizona

July 14, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemns U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Tucson Sector’s decision to increase referrals for criminal prosecution of individuals—including asylum seekers—who cross the U.S.…

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Press

Trump Administration Should Immediately Restart Refugee Admissions

July 14, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged the Trump Administration to immediately begin admitting refugees into the United States in light of a U.S. district court ruling that strikes…

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Blog

Al Hadi’s Prosecution Showcases Confusion, Inadequacy in Guantanamo

July 14, 2017

By Camille Marrero  Two weeks ago I sat behind glass in a courtroom gallery looking at a defendant seated with his attorneys. Across the room…

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Press

Trump Administration Slams the Door on Refugees

July 12, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First said today that the Trump Administration’s decision to slam the door on tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals is a shameful…

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Press

Court Rules that Family Detention Violates Flores Agreement

June 28, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today praised a California district court ruling finding that the federal government’s use of family detention facilities  continues to violate…

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Press

Executive Order Implementation Should Not Block Refugee Resettlement

June 28, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today urged the Trump Administration to make clear that refugees who are already being processed for U.S. resettlement have a…

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Press

Sec. Kelly Urged to Uphold U.S. Legal Commitments to Asylum Seekers After Court Ruling

June 27, 2017

Washington, D.C.—In the wake of yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that will lift a stay on some aspects of President Trump’s revised executive order on resettlement and visas, Human…

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Press

Supreme Court Reschedules Jennings Immigration Detention Case

June 26, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today expressed its concern over the Supreme Court’s decision to schedule the Jennings v. Rodriguez case for reargument in its next session, a…

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Press

Tillerson, Kelly Urged to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to Refugees at Conference on Prosperity and Security in Central America

June 15, 2017

Washington, D.C.—As Secretaries of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security John Kelly meet today and tomorrow in Miami for the Conference on Prosperity and Security…

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Blog

Immigration Detention: Worse than Death?

May 24, 2017

Martin Méndez Pineda was held in U.S. immigration detention for over 100 days. As a journalist, Martin reported on federal police violence in one of Mexico’s most violent states.…

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Press

President’s Budget Request Would Harm Refugees and Asylum Seekers

May 23, 2017

Washington, D.C.— Human Rights First today called on Congress to reject President Trump’s budget proposals that target refugees and asylum seekers. The president’s proposed budget…

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Fact Sheet

Credible Fear Screening and Fraud Safeguards

May 23, 2017

The United States has, over decades, established rigorous, interagency procedures to vet and screen asylum seekers. Human Rights First has detailed the asylum system’s fraud…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: May 22, 2017

May 22, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items Ambassador Haley Travels to Jordan and Turkey U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is currently on a…

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Press

Haley Urged to Seek a Comprehensive Solution to Syrian Refugee Crisis During Upcoming Trip to Jordan and Turkey

May 19, 2017

New York City—As U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley prepares to travel to Jordan and Turkey, Human Rights First today called on Ambassador Haley to prioritize not only U.S. humanitarian…

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Press

House Judiciary Committee Urged to Reject Bill Targeting Refugees and Asylum Seekers During Today’s Hearing

May 18, 2017

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights first today, along with 25 leading human rights, refugee resettlement, and faith organizations, called on the House Judiciary Committee to reject…

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Blog

DHS Secretary Kelly Using Alt-Facts about Asylum

May 10, 2017

By Eleanor Acer Last Friday, Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly defended the controversial deportation of a Honduran woman and her young child. “Now remember the vast…

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Press

Secretary Kelly Wrongly Implies Majority of Asylum Seekers Present False Claims

May 4, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today expressed alarm over statements made this morning by Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly in which he implied that the vast…

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Press

New Report Documents U.S. Border Agents Illegally Turning Away Asylum Seekers at U.S. Border

May 3, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today released a major new report documenting dozens of instances in which U.S. border agents illegally turned away asylum seekers from the…

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Report

Crossing the Line: U.S. Border Agents Illegally Reject Asylum Seekers

May 3, 2017

The U.S. government is illegally turning away asylum seekers at official land crossings all along the southern border. Border agents must refer a person seeking…

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Press

Supreme Court Upholds Flawed Ruling Against Asylum Seekers

April 17, 2017

New York City — Human Rights First today expressed serious concern that the Supreme Court declined to hear the case of Castro v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leaving in place…

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Press

Sessions Proposal to Prosecute “Illegal” Entry at Southern Border Violates U.S. Treaty Commitments

April 11, 2017

Washington, D.C.—In response to comments made today by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Human Rights First cautioned that efforts to criminally prosecute those who cross the U.S.…

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Blog

Parole Denials Lead to Increased Detention Under Trump’s Executive Order

April 10, 2017

President Trump’s so-called Muslim ban, in both iterations, has received widespread attention. Meanwhile, aside from its call for a border wall, his January 25 executive…

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Press

Kelly Signals DHS Will Not Separate Parents and Children

April 5, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today cautiously welcomed statements made by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kelly during Senate hearing confirming that the agency will not generally…

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Press

Senators Should Question Kelly on Upholding Commitments to Refugees, Asylum Seekers

April 5, 2017

Washington, D.C.—In a statement submitted to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Human Rights First today urged senators to question Department of Homeland Security…

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Testimony

Statement to Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Hearing on “Improving Border Security and Public Safety”

April 5, 2017

The United States has laws and policies designed to protect refugees from return to persecution. In the wake of World War II, the United States…

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Blog

Separating Children from their Parents to Deter Other Asylum Seekers is Unlawful and Cruel

March 13, 2017

By Robyn Barnard and Natasha Arnpriester Last week Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John Kelly said he “would do almost anything to deter the…

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Press

U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador Urged to Stand with Salvadoran LGBT Community in Time of Violence

March 7, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today called on the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador Jean Elizabeth Manes to publicly express her concerns regarding…

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Report

Violations at the Border: The El Paso Sector

February 28, 2017

  On January 25, 2017, President Trump signed the “Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements” executive order. On February 20, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly…

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Press

New Report Examines Asylum Violations in El Paso as Trump Implements Executive Orders

February 28, 2017

New York City—As the Trump Administration begins to implement the president’s executive order on immigration enforcement along the southern border, Human Rights First today released…

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Blog

Immigration Courts Lack Funding – Trump Uses Backlogs to Justify Blocking Access

February 23, 2017

This blog is cross posted with The Huffington Post Over the last ten years, funding for immigration courts has remained largely stagnant, even as funding for…

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Press

Administration Urged to Press El Salvador on Protection of Transgender Citizens

February 23, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Following an alarming string of murders of transgender women in El Salvador, Human Rights First today called on the State Department to urge the Salvadoran government to investigate and combat…

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Letter

Letter to Kelly and Tillerson on Executive Order Enforcement

February 21, 2017

The Honorable John F. Kelly Secretary of Homeland Security The Honorable Rex Tillerson Secretary of State Re: U.S. Global Leadership on Human Rights and Refugee…

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Press

DHS Enforcement Memo Would Limit Access to Protection for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

February 21, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First expressed its opposition to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memorandum implementing President Trump’s January 25 executive order on immigration enforcement…

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Press

DHS Memorandum Would Undermine Access to Asylum, Impose Arbitrary Detention

February 17, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First expressed its opposition to proposals included in a draft Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memorandum outlining potential steps to implement…

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Press

Amicus Brief Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Safeguards to Limit Arbitrary, Prolonged Detention for Asylum Seekers

February 10, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today, along with the pro bono assistance of Patterson, Belknap, Webb, and Tyler LLP, filed a supplemental amicus brief urging the…

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Press

Ninth Circuit Ruling on Trump Executive Order a Victory for the Rule of Law

February 9, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First said that today’s Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that refused to reinstate President Trump’s executive order is a victory…

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Blog

Asylum Seekers Already Face Prolonged Detention

February 9, 2017

By Gemma Hallett President Trump’s January 27 executive order, which banned immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days and suspended the U.S. refugee program for longer, has captured much of…

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Press

New Attorney General Jeff Sessions Should Honor his Pledges to Uphold the Law

February 8, 2017

New York City— Human Rights First today urged the newly confirmed Attorney General Jeff Sessions to enforce and uphold the law as he has pledged to…

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Press

Secretary Kelly Urged to Uphold U.S. Obligations to Protect Refugees

February 7, 2017

New York City—Following testimony today by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John Kelly before the House Homeland Security Committee, Human Rights First urged DHS to…

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Press

Department of Homeland Security to Continue Processing Asylum Applications

February 6, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed reports that the Department of Homeland Security will continue adjudicating asylum and other applications for individuals in the United…

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Press

Human Rights First and Coalition Partners Launch Campaign to Fight the Assault on Refugee Rights

February 6, 2017

Washington, D.C.– In response to President Trump’s recent executive orders on immigration and refugees, Human Rights First along with a coalition of leading human rights,…

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Blog

Questions for Secretary Kelly

February 6, 2017

By Eleanor Acer Tomorrow morning the new Secretary for Homeland Security, General John F. Kelly, will testify before the House Homeland Security Committee. The hearing, “Ending the…

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Press

Suspension of Asylum Grants Would Put Vulnerable Individuals at Risk

January 31, 2017

New York City—Human Rights First today expressed grave concerns about reports that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has suspended decision-making in asylum and other…

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Blog

Executive Orders Could Block Access to Asylum for Vulnerable Individuals

January 27, 2017

With Wednesday’s executive order, “Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements,” President Trump seems poised to block access to asylum at the U.S. border, subjecting asylum seekers…

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Blog

AAP: Trump’s Immigration Executive Orders Are Harmful to Children

January 26, 2017

Yesterday, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a strong rebuke in the wake of the President’s Executive Orders on immigration and asylum seekers. “Immigrant families are our…

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Press

Executive Orders Undermine Access to Protection for U.S. Asylum Seekers

January 25, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned an executive order signed by President Trump that appears aimed at blocking access to asylum for refugees at the…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: January 23, 2017

January 23, 2017

By Mary Elizabeth Margolis Top Items New Administration Today is the first full business day of the Trump Administration. The new president has promised to…

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Blog

Creating a More Inclusive El Salvador

January 18, 2017

By Nicole Santamaria, Guest Author Nearly two years ago, I was forced to leave my beloved country of El Salvador. I worked for the Colectivo…

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Press

Questions Remain Following Sessions Confirmation Hearing

January 11, 2017

Washington, D.C.—Following yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL), nominee for Attorney General, Human Rights First said that it will hold him…

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Press

House Should Reject Bills that Undermine U.S. Protection of Refugees

January 11, 2017

Washington, D.C.— Human Rights First today urged members of the House Judiciary Committee to reject the Asylum Reform and Border Protection Act (H.R. 391) introduced yesterday…

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Press

Senate Urged to Question Cabinet Nominees on Commitment to Upholding Human Rights During Confirmation Hearings

January 9, 2017

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today urged the Senate to question cabinet nominees on their commitment to fundamental principles of human rights during confirmation hearings…

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Blog

Correcting the Record: Recently Arrived Immigrants Show Up for Their Hearings

November 30, 2016

As media outlets continue to cover the increase in Central Americans seeking protection at the U.S. southern border, some are citing statistics that do not…

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Press

New Analysis Finds Hurdles to Release, Asylum in New Jersey Immigration Detention Facilities

November 17, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First today released a report detailing high rates of immigration detention of asylum seekers in New Jersey, which finds that asylum seekers are often detained…

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Issue Brief

Detention of Asylum Seekers in New Jersey

November 17, 2016

In October 2016 Human Rights First visited the Essex County Correctional Facility, Hudson County Correctional Facility, and Elizabeth Detention Center, the three principal facilities used…

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Blog

Immigration Detention Reaches Historic Highs as Asylum Seekers Sit in Prolonged Detention

October 28, 2016

By Olga Byrne Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials expect the number of people in immigration detention…

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Blog

Immigration Detention Reaches Historic Highs as Asylum Seekers Sit in Prolonged Detention

October 28, 2016

By Olga Byrne Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials expect the number of people in immigration detention to reach…

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Press

Amicus Argues that U.S. Immigration Detention Policies Violate International Human Rights Obligations

October 25, 2016

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First along with Patterson, Belknap, Webb, and Tyler LLP filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case of Jennings v. Rodriguez, arguing that U.S. international…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: October 24, 2016

October 24, 2016

Top Items LGBT On Wednesday, October 26 National Security Advisor Susan Rice will deliver an address focused on the Obama Administration’s efforts to protect and expand the…

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Testimony

Statement for the Record of Eleanor Acer: Oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

September 30, 2016

Over the last year Human Rights First has issued several reports on this country’s escalating detention of asylum seekers. As detailed in those reports, Human…

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Press

New Analysis Finds Hurdles to Release, Asylum in Georgia Immigration Detention Facilities

September 22, 2016

Washington, D.C.—In a new analysis released today, Human Rights First found that asylum seekers and immigrants detained in Georgia are often held for long periods of time…

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Press

Obama Summit a Welcome Step in the Right Direction, but Gaps and Serious Rights Violations Remain

September 21, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First today applauded President Obama for hosting yesterday’s Leaders’ Summit on Refugees, which brought together members of the international community to…

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Press

Human Rights First’s Acer Addresses U.N. High Level Meeting on Refugees

September 19, 2016

New York City—In remarks today before the U.N. High Level Meeting on Refugees and Migrants, Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer urged countries to uphold commitments to refugee…

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Press

Congress Should Fund White House’s Increased Refugee Resettlement Goal

September 14, 2016

New York City—Human Rights First today welcomes the Obama Administration’s decision to increase the number of refugees resettled in the United States to at least…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: September 12, 2016

September 12, 2016

Top Items Global Refugee Crisis This Thursday the White House will host an event to celebrate the contributions of refugees resettled in the United States.  The…

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Press

Comprehensive Plan Details How U.S. Should Lead on Global Refugee Crisis

August 31, 2016

Washington, D.C. — Human Rights First today released “Respecting Rights and Securing Solutions,” a comprehensive plan for how the United States should address the global refugee…

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Press

Federal Court Ruling Denies Families in Immigration Detention Review of Legality of their Removal

August 30, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today decried the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit’s ruling  in Castro v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security that denies 28 mothers detained in…

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Press

Homeland Security Orders Review of Privatized Immigration Detention Facilities

August 29, 2016

Washington, D.C. ‑ Following today’s announcement from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson directing the Homeland Security Advisory Council to evaluate whether immigration detention operations…

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Press

U.S. Reaches 10,000 Syrian Refugee Resettlement Goal

August 29, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Human Rights First today praised the Obama Administration for reaching its goal of admitting “at least 10,000” Syrian refugees in fiscal year 2016.…

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Press

Department of Homeland Security Urged to End Use of Private Prisons for Immigration Detention

August 18, 2016

New York City—In the wake of the announcement by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that it will end its reliance on private prisons, Human Rights First today called on…

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Blog

Running for Refugees

August 1, 2016

When I run, I think a lot about the brave refugee men, women, and children I meet through my job as a social worker at…

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Blog

Washington Week on Human Rights: August 1, 2016

August 1, 2016

Top News Immigration Detention This Wednesday, August 3rd the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and Human Rights First will ho