Florida residents may be aware of a shift in policy that would see the United States keep its asylum seekers in Mexico while their cases are being heard. There are currently more than 800,000 cases pending, and the new policy could mean that immigrants will live in Mexico for months or years. Immigration judges are also left wondering how the policy will impact how they hear cases.
Trump's asylum ban faces challenges in court
People in Florida concerned about the effect of President Trump's attempt to impose restrictions on asylum claims may have been relieved to hear that the Supreme Court upheld a block placed by federal District Judge Jon Tigar on the regulations. However, the high court has not yet heard arguments on the merits of the administration's claim to have the right to modify established immigration law. Last month, Trump signed a proclamation seeking to bar people who entered the United States without authorization at the southern border from seeking asylum anywhere but an official port of entry.
Credible fear asylum claims increasing dramatically
Florida residents with questions about immigration may be interested in knowing that credible fear asylum claims have climbed considerably over the past year, according to figures released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Credible fear is the initial step toward claiming asylum, which is one of the ways immigrants are able to gain legal access to the country. Between 2017 and 2018, these claims climbed 67 percent.
Trump pursues asylum ban to Supreme Court
Many people in Florida have been concerned about the effects of President Trump's policies on immigration, especially those with some involvement of their own with the immigration system. After two federal courts blocked an attempted ban on asylum applications for people who crossed the southern border without authorization, the administration is going to the Supreme Court in an attempt to legitimize its proclamation. Following the emergence of caravans of migrants from Central America in November 2018, Trump issued a proclamation barring people who crossed without authorization from seeking asylum.
Trump administration policies leave migrants in fear
Many people in Florida and across the country are concerned about asylum seekers facing new restrictions imposed by the Trump administration at the southern border. There are currently thousands of migrants, mostly from Central America, near the border in Tijuana and elsewhere, and the administration wants to force them to remain in Mexico until their asylum claims are completed. However, refugee rights advocates have highlighted the potential abuse that these migrants may face.
Federal judge bans enforcement of controversial asylum rule
Florida residents may have seen news reports in the days leading up to the midterm elections about a caravan of immigrants from Central America making their way north to the Mexican border. The caravan has now reached Tijuana, and many of its approximately 3,000 members are said to be planning to seek asylum in the United States. Asylum has traditionally been offered to immigrants who are already inside the United States, but that all changed on Nov. 9 when President Trump issued a proclamation that changed the asylum rules.
President Trump orders change to asylum process
Florida residents will likely have seen news reports about a caravan of migrants making their way to the United States from Honduras in the days and weeks leading up to the recent midterm elections. The migrants told reporters that they were fleeing desperate conditions in their home country and planned to seek asylum in America, but those plans were dealt a blow on Nov. 8 when the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security announced strict new rules for asylum seekers.
The president may be limited in ending asylum
Florida residents may have heard about a migrant caravan crossing into Mexico recently. Its stated goal is to come to the United States, and President Trump has vowed to deny asylum to some or all in the caravan who attempt to enter the country. However, it is unclear whether or not the president has the power to do so. At a minimum, such a move would be challenged in court.
Court pushes for asylum reviews for separated immigrant families
Many people who live in Florida entered the country as immigrants. Despite the hostility of the Trump administration toward Central Americans seeking asylum at the southern border with Mexico, a federal judge has ruled that immigration authorities must process asylum claims for dozens of adults and children who were separated at the border during 2018.
Asylum seekers sue U.S. officials over immigration policy
Many people in Florida have been concerned about how the Trump administration's widely publicized positions on immigration could affect refugees and asylum seekers fleeing persecution. According to a lawsuit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center, asylum seekers on the border between the United States and Mexico have faced unlawful interference with their ability to file for asylum. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 13 individuals seeking asylum and an immigrant legal services organization, challenges what it refers to as the "Turnback Policy" of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
