WASHINGTON— Today, the Trump Administration announced that it will issue an interim rule that will prevent individuals from applying for asylum if they passed through another country and did not seek asylum there before traveling to the United States. The new rule would effectively prohibit most Central American migrants from seeking asylum. In response Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva issued the following statement:

“President Trump has shown nothing but disdain and contempt for asylum-seeking children and families, and is now undertaking his most aggressive act yet to prevent them from even attempting to legally access safety and security in the United States. This rule is yet another effort to circumvent the authority of Congress and implement policies that will force asylum seekers into more increasingly desperate measures.

“The law is clear. No matter their route, country of origin, or location on U.S. soil; asylum-seekers have a legal right to request asylum and have their claims heard in immigration court. Trump has never wanted to work with Congress to address the real immigration challenges facing our nation. Instead, he implements policies such as “Remain in Mexico,” the metering of asylum seekers, family separation, and the horrific detention of children and their families that have manufactured a humanitarian crisis at our border. This latest measure will only exacerbate an already dire situation, endanger more children and their families, and provide yet another stain on our national conscience.”  

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