Trump Administration Gives Order to Reject Domestic Violence Asylum Seekers

The Trump administration on Wednesday issued new guidelines to immigration authorities in charge of asylum applications urging them to immediately reject applicants who cite fears of gang violence or domestic abuse, CNN reports. “Claims based on... the members’ vulnerability to harm of domestic violence or gang violence committed by non-government actors will not establish the basis for asylum, refugee status, or a credible or reasonable fear of persecution,” the guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services states.  The directive reportedly fulfills suggestions made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions last month to turn down asylum-seekers citing such fears before they are even allowed to see a judge to prove they have “credible fear” of violence at home. The document also reportedly gives immigration officers the go-ahead to reject asylum-seekers who illegally crossed the border, a move that goes directly against international law.