The Trump administration has proposed a series of new rules in an attempt to undo asylum seekers’ basic rights. These proposed rules have not yet gone into effect and may still change.

Among other changes, the proposed rules would: 

• Make it harder for people arriving at the border to seek protection in the United States. For example, the rules would make it harder for recently arrived asylum seekers to pass a credible fear interview—for many, the first step before being able to request asylum in U.S. immigration court.
• Make it harder to qualify for asylum and other forms of protection. For example, the proposed rules would limit the types of harms that would allow someone to qualify for asylum.
• Allow immigration judges to deny asylum cases without a full hearing, based on just a written application.
• Add reasons why an immigration judge could deny an asylum case, including for not paying taxes or staying in a country that is not their country of origin for more than 14 days before entering the United States.
• Allow the government to share information included in asylum applications with other federal and state agencies, in certain cases.

The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP) opposes these proposed changes and stands with asylum seekers fighting for their right to live in safety in the United States. If you oppose these rules, make your voice heard and submit a comment to the federal government by July 15.

For more information about the proposed rules, see this article.

Note: This information is for individuals seeking asylum in the U.S. and is not a substitute for advice from an attorney.