Trump Administration Issues New Rule Making Asylum Seekers Ineligible If They Pass Through Another Country Without Seeking Asylum

District of Columbia — In the ongoing Southern Border war, the Trump Administration has started another battle by issuing a new rule that makes asylum seekers ineligible if they pass through another country without seeking asylum. This rule applies to all asylum seekers, including children.

According to the rule, which was filed in the Federal Register, this is in an effort reduce the amount of fraudulent asylum claims, which have hamstrung the immigration system according to the administration. Exceptions to this rule include all victims of human trafficking, if the asylum seeker was denied in the country of passage, or if they passed through a country that hasn’t signed a treaty on how to govern refugees.

Also, immigration judges must take this rule into consideration when deciding the fate of an asylum seeker, although they can still petition to not be deported if their asylum claim is denied. The rule goes into effect on Tuesday.

Acting DHS Secretary Kevin McAleenan released the following statement, “While the recent supplemental funding was absolutely vital to helping confront the crisis, the truth is that it will not be enough without targeted changes to the legal framework of our immigration system. Until Congress can act, this interim rule will help reduce a major ‘pull’ factor driving irregular migration to the United States and enable DHS and DOJ to more quickly and efficiently process cases originating from the southern border, leading to fewer individuals transiting through Mexico on a dangerous journey. Ultimately, today’s action will reduce the overwhelming burdens on our domestic system caused by asylum-seekers failing to seek urgent protection in the first available country, economic migrants lacking a legitimate fear of persecution, and the transnational criminal organizations, traffickers, and smugglers exploiting our system for profits.”