New rule changes requirements for immigrants fleeing violence

 Posted on June 28, 2021 in Immigration

Many immigrants flee their home countries due to violent and dangerous situations that put them and their families at risk. Recently, the U.S. changed its policies and ended requirements that made it harder for immigrants to come to the U.S. seeking asylum from violence.

According to AP News, Attorney General Merrick Garland provided updated instructions for immigration judges to use when making decisions about asylum grants for immigrants fleeing domestic or gang violence. This action undid rules from the Trump administration that made it harder for immigrants to qualify for asylum.

The impact of this change

This recent change to asylum guidelines could make it easier for immigrants to earn humanitarian protection when trying to escape violent situations. This could lead to more immigrants filing for asylum and trying to receive protection through the immigration system. Garland initiated this change after President Joe Biden requested that the Department of Homeland Security create a new set of rules about which groups of people should become eligible for asylum.

Immigration statistics

This change to asylum requirements comes at a time when immigration numbers have risen to significantly high numbers. For example, in April of 2021, border officials reported that they had seen the highest number of encounters at the border in over 20 years.

Seeking asylum is one of many reasons people from other countries decide to come to the U.S. This new change for victims of violence in other countries could change the immigration landscape and provide hope for those trying to get out of dangerous situations.