All articles tagged with #asylum policy
A court ruling in Britain may disrupt the country's asylum policy by challenging the use of a hotel in Epping to house asylum-seekers, as local authorities argue it constitutes a change of use requiring planning permission, potentially affecting how the government manages asylum accommodation.
The UK and France have agreed on a 'one in, one out' migrant exchange deal to deter dangerous crossings of the English Channel, allowing each country to return migrants without family ties and grant asylum to others with connections, amid ongoing migration challenges and EU objections.
The Dutch government has collapsed after Geert Wilders' far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) withdrew support over disagreements on asylum policies, leading to political chaos and calls for immediate elections, with Wilders' party remaining a significant force in Dutch politics.
The Dutch government has collapsed after far-right leader Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) withdrew over disagreements on asylum policies, leading to the resignation of the cabinet and potential early elections amid political instability.
President Joe Biden's recent executive order to temporarily halt asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border has drawn criticism for its harshness, likened to former President Trump's policies. This move continues a long-standing bipartisan trend of strict border enforcement, dating back to the Clinton and Obama administrations. The order includes exemptions for certain vulnerable groups but imposes a high standard for proving imminent danger. Critics argue that this policy reflects a broader, bipartisan commitment to stringent immigration control, despite differing rhetoric between Democrats and Republicans.
Facing tight re-election races, several Democrats, including Sens. Sherrod Brown, Jacky Rosen, and Jon Tester, have supported a bipartisan border bill that includes stricter asylum rules and funding for new border wall sections, despite previously opposing such measures under Trump. This shift reflects the increasing voter priority on immigration and the border crisis under President Biden. The bill notably lacks a pathway to citizenship, a provision Democrats have historically advocated for.
The European Parliament narrowly approved the wide-reaching reform of the EU's migration and asylum policy, known as the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, which aims to establish collective and predictable rules for managing asylum seekers. The reform, which still needs final approval from member states, includes measures such as mandatory solidarity among countries and fast-tracked border procedures. The vote was preceded by dissent and criticism from various groups, with concerns raised about potential human rights violations. Despite the approval, the reform's effectiveness and impact remain to be seen, as it will take about two years to fully enter into force.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces a significant rebellion from Conservative Party lawmakers over his plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda, with concerns from both liberal and authoritarian wings of the party. The rebels seek to toughen the government's flagship Safety of Rwanda Bill, and a vote on the bill as a whole is set for Wednesday. Sunak insists the bill goes as far as the government can, but faces opposition from within his party, as well as from human rights groups and the United Nations' refugee agency.
Senate Democrats claim that border negotiations have collapsed as Republicans are demanding policies that would effectively close the border and eliminate asylum for those with valid claims, which Democrats refuse to accept. However, Republicans argue that talks are ongoing and they are still exchanging proposals. The negotiations face challenges in the House, where Republicans are resistant to Ukraine funding and demand stricter border policies. The impasse may lead to a vote on a $106 billion supplemental package this week, with Republicans prepared to filibuster if a border deal is not reached. The Biden administration warns that time is running out for Ukraine, urging congressional action before the end of the year.
Italy has delayed the final decision on the EU's migration reform, despite Germany agreeing to a compromise. The delay has dashed hopes of reaching a deal by the end of the day, but EU officials remain optimistic that an agreement will be reached in the coming days. Italy has requested more time to examine the proposal from a legal standpoint. The reform aims to address the handling of asylum seekers during spikes in migration and has been a topic of discussion for almost 10 years. Without Italy's support, any agreement is politically impossible.
The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has allowed the Biden administration to continue implementing a controversial asylum policy while it appeals a lower court's ruling. The policy, which restricts migrants who passed through another country from seeking asylum in the United States, has faced criticism from Biden allies, Democrats, and immigration advocates. The 9th Circuit will expedite its consideration of the case, with Circuit Judge Lawrence VanDyke, a Trump appointee, dissenting from the appellate panel's decision.
A federal judge has blocked a rule implemented by the Biden administration that allows immigration authorities to deny asylum to migrants who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through. The judge's ruling, which will not take effect for two weeks, gives the Biden administration time to appeal. The rule, which has been in effect for two months, imposes limitations on migrants seeking asylum but includes exceptions and does not apply to unaccompanied children. Immigrant rights groups argue that the rule violates U.S. law protecting the right to asylum and forces migrants to seek protection in countries with inadequate asylum systems. The Justice Department has appealed the ruling and believes the rule is lawful.