President Trump Signs Proclamation that Denies Asylum to Immigrants Who Fail to Enter U.S. at a Port of Entry
Once again, President Trump is attempting to reform current immigration laws, although it is no surprise that his efforts are being challenged by many. On Friday, November 9th, Trump signed a proclamation that will deny asylum to immigrants who enter the U.S. illegally, according to USA Today. The news outlet highlighted that it is a move that is “aimed at a caravan of Central American migrants moving toward the U.S.-Mexico border.” The caravan, which is said to be nearby to Mexico City, is expected to bring between 3,000 and 4,000 immigrants into the U.S.
Aside from signing the proclamation, Trump has issued several statements regarding it, although many seem to conflict some of the comments he has made in the past. For starters, Trump said that “People can come in, but they have to come in through ports of entry, and that, to me, is a very important thing.” He went on to tell reporters “We’re not letting them in, but they’re trying to flood our country. We need the wall.” While there are laws that dictate the process immigrants must follow to seek asylum in the U.S., many who are fleeing their country in fear of suffering persecution don’t have the time to wait in the lines at border entrances nor can they afford to be turned away by ICE and CPB agents who simply can’t handle the influx of immigrants who are seeking a safer environment for them and their family.
After Trump addressed the current laws that apply to asylum seekers, claiming they are “obsolete” and “incompetent,” he attributed the Democrats’ lack of votes to why the laws are what they are today. However, he then proceeded on to acknowledge that “immigrants are needed to fill U.S. jobs.” He stated, “we need people in our country, but they have to come in legally, and they have to have merit.” The trouble with this statement is that Trump spent much of his time campaigning for his seat in the White House convincing citizens that immigrants were taking their jobs. In fact, President Trump has already placed many restrictions on the ability of a foreign individual to obtain the proper documentation that would permit them to enter the U.S. and work.
Therefore, it is unclear whether Trump wishes to allow immigrants in, only if they enter legally, or if he trying to rid the U.S. of any individuals who aren’t U.S. born citizens or those who have already obtained their citizenship from USCIS.
If you have a question pertaining to an immigration-related matter or need assistance with obtaining the necessary documentation that would allow you or a loved one to live and work in the U.S., contact an immigration attorney who can address your concerns.
While Trump’s proclamation is set to take effect on Saturday, the American Civil Liberties Union “has already called the rule illegal and [you can expect] legal challenges to follow” in the near future [Source:KFOR].
With the Trump Administration making it more difficult for immigrants to enter and reside in the U.S., it is important that if you or someone you know is seeking asylum or attempting to obtain their visa or green card that they contact an immigration lawyer to assist with the process. USAttorneys.com connects individuals all across the U.S. with reputable immigration and deportation attorneys who can help them obtain the documentation they need to remain in the U.S. or a family member of theirs who is currently living abroad but wishes to come and live in the U.S.
