U.S. Curtails Asylum for Refugees Fleeing Gang Violence
In the recent past, refugees who were fleeing gang or domestic violence in their home countries were able to present a claim for asylum in the United States on that basis. Though such claims were not always accepted, they could at least be adjudicated.
But in June of this year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions ruled that fear of gang and domestic violence would no longer be considered grounds for asylum in the U.S.
“The asylum statute does not provide redress for all misfortune,” the Attorney General wrote.
He held that violence perpetrated by non-governmental actors would no longer justify consideration of an asylum application. The decision was recounted in detail by the Congressional Research Service in a new publication. See Asylum and Related Protections for Aliens Who Fear Gang and Domestic Violence, CRS Legal Sidebar, October 25, 2018.
Other new and updated reports from the Congressional Research Service include the following.
Honduras: Background and U.S. Relations, updated October 24, 2018
Protection of Executive Branch Officials, CRS In Focus, updated October 25, 2018
U.S. Secret Service Protection of Persons and Facilities, CRS In Focus, October 25, 2018
Defense Primer: Personnel Tempo (PERSTEMPO), CRS In Focus, October 23, 2018
Iran and Israel: Tension Over Syria, CRS In Focus, updated October 24, 2018
U.S.-Japan Relations, CRS In Focus, updated October 23, 2018
U.S.-India Trade Relations, CRS In Focus, updated October 24, 2018
Morocco: Background and U.S. Relations, October 26, 2018
What Legal Obligations do Internet Companies Have to Prevent and Respond to a Data Breach?, CRS Legal Sidebar, October 25, 2018
Researchers have many questions about the modernization of Pakistan’s nuclear-capable aircraft and associated air-launched cruise missiles.
The decision casts uncertainty on the role of scientific and technical expertise in federal decision-making, potentially harming our nation’s ability to respond effectively
Congress should foster a more responsive and evidence-based ecosystem for GenAI-powered educational tools, ensuring that they are equitable, effective, and safe for all students.
Without independent research, we do not know if the AI systems that are being deployed today are safe or if they pose widespread risks that have yet to be discovered, including risks to U.S. national security.