[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]New guidance from the Justice Department orders federal immigration judges to deny asylum claims to the victims of domestic violence and gang violence. A 2016 ruling from the Board of Immigration Appeals, generally considered the highest immigration authority in the country, that granted a Salvadoran woman asylum after suffering extreme spousal abuse was overturned by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Sessions' reasoning is that asylum claims are only applicable if the applicant is being persecuted by their national government and does not apply to so-called private crimes.
The change in policy is another attempt by the Trump administration to reduce immigration to the United States. Immigrant advocates are accusing the administration of turning their backs on the victims of gang violence and domestic violence and believe the change in policy could cost women and children their lives. They worry that many asylum seekers currently in custody will be deported and be in considerable danger in their home countries.
See the full news report here.
This policy change could have a significant effect on pending and future asylum claims. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth is closely monitoring the situation to see how this change will impact our clients. If you have questions and would like to receive a free immigration consultation, call us today at 888-517-9888.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
