For many people trying to escape persecution in their home country, asylum safeguards them from being deported back to the country where they fear they will be harmed. Under U.S. law, migrants that flee their country in fear of persecution can apply for asylum. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were enforced due to Title 42, a 1944 public health law that gives the U.S. the authority to curb migrants to protect public health. Therefore, asylum seekers have been turned away from the U.S.-Mexico border for the past three years to protect public health. Recently COVID-19 restrictions have officially been lifted. With this, House Republicans have passed an immigration bill aimed at bolstering border security and imposing harsher restrictions on asylum seekers. As an asylum seeker, it is critical to understand how this bill can affect your ability to seek asylum in the U.S. Keep reading to learn more about House Republicans’ immigration bills and discover how a qualified Middlesex County, New Jersey Asylum Lawyer can help you.
What does this sweeping immigration bill mean for asylum seekers at the southern border?
House Republicans claim this bill is aimed at encouraging asylum seekers to apply for asylum online through a new process rather than crossing the southern border illegally. The House bill proposes additional walls be built along the southern border and stricter limitations be placed. This would include asylum seekers being required to cross the border legally, paying a $50 fee, and meeting more eligibility criteria during initial interviews. This will allow them to establish whether there is a credible fear of persecution in their country of origin.
Many conservatives do not agree with US and international laws that give people the right to seek asylum from political, religious, or racial persecution. This is because they believe many people take advantage of the system to reside in the U.S. while they wait for their cases to be processed. This bill shares similar policies pursued by former President Donald Trump to secure the southern border and reduce illegal immigration. It is also aimed at offering asylum seekers more legal pathways. It is critical to note that this bill has not become a law and has a slim chance of becoming law as Democrats and Republicans are deeply divided when it comes to the future of immigration in the U.S. This bill has taken months for Republicans to push it through the House. Therefore, if you are seeking asylum in the U.S. there is no need to panic just yet.
With Title 42 officially being lifted and this sweeping immigration bill being passed, asylum seekers must retain a determined and trusted lawyer from the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC. Our firm is committed to helping our clients stay informed and guiding them through this intricate process. Contact us today so we can fight on your behalf to help you remain in the U.S. based on asylum.