For nearly 50 years, Human Rights First has been a leader in asylum advocacy, partnering with pro bono attorneys to represent thousands of clients in their asylum cases each year. Today, we continue this vital work—researching conditions at the border, advocating on Capitol Hill, holding governments accountable, and providing pro bono representation to those seeking safety.
Defending asylum and immigrant rights
Around the world and in the U.S., people flee persecution, violence, and displacement in search of safety. Many migrate for survival or to escape the impacts of climate change and human rights abuses. We are committed to promoting a fair, humane, and efficient U.S. immigration system.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
We are tracking and challenging anti-asylum measures like Title 42, 'Remain in Mexico,' and asylum bans under both the Biden and Trump administrations.
See our recent issue brief on the Trump Administration’s initial immigration executive actions.
The Human Impact of Anti-Asylum Policies
Human Rights First tracked reports of over 16,000 asylum seeker and migrant survivors of kidnapping, murder, torture, rape, and other serious harms while blocked in, expelled to, or returned to Mexico under anti-asylum policies over the last 6 years. These documented attacks represent just a fraction of the violent harm that people seeking asylum and migrants have likely faced in Mexico.
We will continue tracking the human impact of the Trump administration’s new anti-immigrant policies and advocating for policies that uphold human rights.
Seeking asylum?
If you do not already have legal representation, cannot afford an attorney, and need help with a claim for asylum or other protection-based form of immigration status, we can help.
Want to get involved?
If you are an attorney, interpreter, student, medical or mental health professional, or want to be an advocate for human rights, we encourage you to volunteer with us. Tell your Congresspeople to protect immigrants and refugees.
