Thread by @NIJC

The Trump admin has unleashed a torrent of final regulations and policies targeting asylum seekers - 7 rules in 7 days. Each rule will have devastating consequences. Here’s why: (1/9)

First, DHS finalized a plan to send asylum seekers to El Salvador, mirroring an agreement w/ Guatemala that endangered 1000+ mostly women & children. @NIJC @CGRShastings @ACLU & @humanrights1st challenged this violation of US asylum obligations. tinyurl.com/ybxstqk6 (2/9)

Next, DOJ imposed a fee on asylum applications for the *first time ever* to deter asylum seekers from seeking protection. They also increased fees up to 800% for appeals. @NIJC @CGRS @supportKIND @quinnemanuel filed a suit today. tinyurl.com/yah5jaxr (3/9)

DHS/DOJ released final #DeathToAsylum rules. These rules will impose dozens of new barriers and hurdles for asylum seekers and torture survivors. tinyurl.com/y7qw7qrr (4/9)

DHS/DOJ also released a final rule that would bar anyone who traveled through a country with a communicable disease as a “danger to national security.” This rule weaponizes public health and racist tropes tinyurl.com/y9gq2wt6 (5/9)

DHS/DOJ even resurrected the transit ban, which barred asylum relief for anyone traveling through a third country. Two courts already ruled this ban unlawful. (6/9)

DOJ finalized a rule that makes it harder to appeal immigration judges' decisions. Why is that important? Bc some judges automatically deny asylum claims 90% of the time. Appeals are a lifeline. tinyurl.com/y8dx24k9 (7/9)

DOJ finalized a rule to deny asylum seekers claims if they fail to apply within 2 wks of their 1st hearing. That would ensure that most asylum seekers (who don’t have right to counsel) are deported. tinyurl.com/y8dx24k9 (8/9)

The right to asylum is protected under US and international law. NIJC will continue to fight back daily against these unlawful rules and policies. Read more: immigrantjustice.org/issues/asylum-… and get involved here: immigrantjustice.salsalabs.org/donatefy2021nb… (9/9)