News Roundup: March 2023
Deadly Fire at Mexican Detention Center Kills 38
At least 38 people died in a fire at a migrant detention center in the border city of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The fire was caused by a protest over deportations.
Most of the migrants at the facility were from Central America and Venezuela. Thirteen of the dead were from Honduras.
“A video shared on social media, which appears to be security footage from within the center, shows a flame in part of a cell which is filling up with smoke as men kick desperately on the bars of a locked door.”
“In the 30-second video, three people in what appear to be official uniforms walk past but make no attempt to open the door. By the end of the video the smoke is so thick the cell can no longer be seen.”
Activists have repeatedly raised concern over poor conditions and overcrowding in detention centers as numbers of migrants have risen.
The numbers in Mexican border cities continue to rise as the U.S. government attempts to process asylum requests using a new app, called CBP One.
New Rule Could Deny Meaningful Access to Asylum
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new asylum rule meant to reduce illegal entry at the border and protect vulnerable people. However, critics say the rule is unlawful, discriminatory, and denies meaningful access to asylum.
What does the asylum rule say now?
Under the current law, an asylum seeker must show the main reason they are afraid to return to their home country is because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
The new rule changes the process by assuming that anyone who failed to apply for asylum at a port of entry with an appointment or failed to enter the United States via normal immigration channels is not eligible for asylum. Normal channels include recent parole programs for Ukraine, Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua.
Someone could also apply for asylum if they passed through certain countries and were denied asylum there, including all of Central America and almost all of South America.
The rule is up for comment for 30 days and would last until spring or summer of 2025.
But what if parole programs end?
The new rule assumes lawful pathways like parole will continue to exist. However, only people who meet certain criteria (like having a U.S. financial sponsor) can get parole. Critics argue that humanitarian protection shouldn’t depend on having a U.S. sponsor or getting an appointment through an app. Also, the new rule would last into the next administration, one that may not support parole programs. So while the parole programs help justify the new rule, the rule would be in effect even if the parole programs end.
What if there aren’t enough asylum appointments?
The CBP One App is required to schedule an appointment to apply for asylum at a port of entry. However, appointments are not guaranteed to be available. There are some obvious issues with the app, including internet access, language barriers, and the need for a cell phone. The biggest problem is not enough appointments for the number of people seeking asylum.
The rule might break current law
Under current law, anyone inside the U.S. or arriving in the U.S., regardless of their status, may apply for asylum. The proposed rule violates this principle.
Temporary Protected Status Extended for Somalia
The Department of Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months until September 17, 2024.
TPS is a temporary status given to eligible nationals of designated countries who are present in the U.S. when situations in their home country make it unsafe to return, such as armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. TPS allows you to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. Countries can be designated for TPS for 6 to 18 months and can be extended for many years.
Contact us today to see whether you may be eligible for TPS.
