Human Rights First Human Rights First

U.S. Detention of Asylum Seekers: Seeking Protection, Finding Prison

##2009 / 106 pp

Available in PDF

Summary in PDF

Purchase this report on Amazon.com

Since 2003, U.S. immigration authorities have spent more than $300 million to detain over 48,000 asylum seekers in jails and jail-like facilities. Some of the facilities are located in remote areas, far from legal representation. Asylum seekers are detained in a system that lacks basic due process safeguards and is inconsistent with America’s longstanding commitment to protect those who flee from persecution. The report outlines ways to improve this process in ways that are more cost-effective, just, and humane.