The Obama Administration announced today that it will stop detaining asylum seekers found to have a credible fear of persecution. As of January 4, all asylum seekers who can establish their identities, demonstrate that they do not pose a risk of flight or a threat to national security, and prove a credible fear of persecution or torture in their homelands will no longer be detained. I've not seen a more detailed announcement (or even the press release), but this appears to be a great step towards protecting those who have suffered persecution by enabling significantly greater access to legal representation and the support of family and friends, not to mention preventing retraumatization in detention. It's also a nice illustration of how the executive can use its discretionary powers to improve the situation of immigrants. More good immigration news to come in my Friday post!Breaking News: A Moratorium on Detention of Asylum Seekers?
The Obama Administration announced today that it will stop detaining asylum seekers found to have a credible fear of persecution. As of January 4, all asylum seekers who can establish their identities, demonstrate that they do not pose a risk of flight or a threat to national security, and prove a credible fear of persecution or torture in their homelands will no longer be detained. I've not seen a more detailed announcement (or even the press release), but this appears to be a great step towards protecting those who have suffered persecution by enabling significantly greater access to legal representation and the support of family and friends, not to mention preventing retraumatization in detention. It's also a nice illustration of how the executive can use its discretionary powers to improve the situation of immigrants. More good immigration news to come in my Friday post!
