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U.S. Curtails Asylum for Refugees Fleeing Gang Violence

10.31.18 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

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 ViolenceCRS 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 OfficialsCRS In Focus, updated October 25, 2018

U.S. Secret Service Protection of Persons and FacilitiesCRS In Focus, October 25, 2018

Defense Primer: Personnel Tempo (PERSTEMPO)CRS In Focus, October 23, 2018

Iran and Israel: Tension Over SyriaCRS In Focus, updated October 24, 2018

U.S.-Japan RelationsCRS In Focus, updated October 23, 2018

U.S.-India Trade RelationsCRS 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

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