The government chaired by Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the final approval of a rule that will deny asylum to undocumented immigrants who have been detained or convicted of certain crimes, in a new blow to the system that protects thousands of people who flee. from their countries of origin, and when there are less than two weeks until the presidential elections.
The measure, which was released jointly by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, will take effect in 31 days.
In addition to restrictions that are already imposed at the federal level, such as threats to national security or terrorism, the regulations list seven criminal areas, which include various minor offenses, that will prevent migrants from seeking asylum.
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Among the most serious crimes are federal and state offenses, charges for domestic violence (even if there is no sentence), human and drug trafficking, or belonging to a gang.
Neither will those who have committed less severe offenses, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI);
present a false identification;
illegally re-enter the country after being deported;
or the illegal use of public aid.
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Under current legislation, foreigners physically present in the United States have the right to request asylum, regardless of their immigration status.
But their ability to do so has been curtailed by the Trump Administration's anti-immigration measures, something the new rule accentuates.
This is yet another effort by the Trump Administration to curb the arrival of immigrants and restrict access to asylum, and its announcement comes a day after the Supreme Court ruled that it will examine in the coming months the validity of the program to return Mexico to Migrant people seeking asylum at the border, known as
Remain in Mexico
or Stay in Mexico, after a government appeal because a lower court blocked the measure.
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That program, with which more than 60,000 people seeking refuge have been returned to Mexican territory to await their immigration hearings (postponed due to the pandemic), will remain in force as long as the legal dispute is resolved by a previous decision of the Supreme Court. .
