On July 8, 2024, IRAP submitted a public comment opposing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Interim Final Rule on Securing the Border, published on June 7, 2024. The rule, associated with the Presidential Proclamation on Securing the Border, signed on June 3, 2024, suspends entry at the U.S. southern border until total border encounter numbers drop persistently and drastically; eliminates access to asylum except in exceedingly narrow circumstances; raises the legal standard for eligibility to pursue withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture; and requires noncitizens to “manifest” fear in order to be screened for any form of protection. This rule, which has already been challenged in litigation, Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center v. DHS, violates domestic and international law, will lead to people with valid claims being returned to persecution, and has disproportionate effects on many populations whom IRAP serves. IRAP urges DHS and EOIR to withdraw the rule in its entirety.
The comment is available here.
