This month's media report focuses on the expansion of a program that quickly determines the cases of asylum-seekers while they are still in custody, without access to lawyers; the continued construction of the border wall in Arizona, and a particularly devastating expansion on indigenous sacred land; and the uncertainty surrounding the Remain in Mexico policy after tumultuous decisions by the Ninth Circuit court of appeals.  1) Expansion of programs that “fast-track” asylum-seekers: … [Read more...]

Our media report this month covers the expanded use of power by individual Border Patrol agents, which have the potential to profoundly impact the outcome of asylum-seekers' cases; the disappointing ruling by the Supreme Court upholding the "public charge rule," and a recently released study that demonstrates the high numbers of people who are killed or assaulted following their deportation from the U.S. to El Salvador.  1) Border Patrol agents’ expanded powers: Under the Trump … [Read more...]

This month's media report covers the widespread resistance to the expansion of the "Remain in Mexico" policy into Arizona, including opposition from the Bishop of Tucson; the return of Central American asylum-seekers to Guatemala where they are forced to seek refuge; and escalating violence in Nicaragua that has put our Jesuit partners and many others in danger.  1) Bishop releases statement opposing MPP: Since January of this year, the U.S. government has sent over 60,000 asylum-seekers … [Read more...]