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
Promising examples of progress are emerging from the Boston metropolitan area that show the power of partnership between researchers, government officials, practitioners, and community-based organizations.
Americans trade stocks instantly, but spend 13 hours on tax forms. They send cash by text, but wait weeks for IRS responses. The nation’s revenue collector ranks dead last in citizen satisfaction. The problem isn’t just paperwork — it’s how the government builds.
In a new report, we begin to address these fundamental implementation questions based on discussions with over 80 individuals – from senior political staff to individual project managers – involved in the execution of major clean energy programs through the Department of Energy (DOE).
FAS supports the bipartisan Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act under review in the House, just as we supported the earlier Senate version. Rep. David Min (D-CA) and Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO) are leading the bill.