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Latest News and Press Releases

April 15, 2019
Human Rights First Receives Grant from The New York Bar Foundation
New York City—Human Rights First today announced that it was recently presented a grant from The New York Bar Foundation worth $7,500. The grant will be used to support their Refugee Representation...
April 10, 2019
Real Solutions to the Disorder at the Border
Anti-refugee rhetoric and policies have characterized the Trump presidency. Now, as he transitions to campaign mode ahead of the 2020 election, he’s doubling-down. Earlier this month, we learned...
April 09, 2019
The GRACE Act Ensures America’s Commitment to Refugee Resettlement
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today urged members of Congress to support the GRACE Act—the Guaranteed Refugee Admissions Ceiling Enhancement Act—which will set an annual refugee admissions...
April 08, 2019
Remain in Mexico Policy Temporarily Blocked in Court
Los Angeles—Following today’s preliminary injunction that temporarily blocks the Trump Administration’s Remain in Mexico policy, Human Rights First’s Robyn Barnard, who represents two refugees...
April 08, 2019
Statement on Resignation of Secretary Nielsen
New York City—In response to the resignation of Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer issued the following statement: Secretary Nielsen has been the...
April 05, 2019
Trump’s Statement to “Get Rid” of Asylum Repugnant
New York City—In response to President Trump’s comments today urging Congress to “get rid of the whole asylum system,” Human Rights First’s Eleanor Acer issued the following statement: President...
April 01, 2019
Administration Continues to Exacerbate Challenges at the Southern Border
Washington, D.C.—In response to the Trump Administration’s announcements that it will cut hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance to Central America, and that the...

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Related Event

May 5, 2019
World Refugee Day: Reception in Washington, D.C.

Once a year, World Refugee Day honors refugees and asylum seekers.

Yet every single day, we are inspired by the courage and resilience of those who fled danger, risking everything in hopes of building a better life for themselves and their families.

Join us on Tuesday, June 18th, for a reception celebrating our clients, honoring the work of our pro bono and community partners, and recommitting to shaping a brighter future for those seeking safety from harm.

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Learn MoreView all events

Resources

Factsheet | 2018
The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program

The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program 2009-2018 

What is the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Program? 

Download

Letter | June 24, 2020
Statement for the Record of Human Rights First
U.S. Senate, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Hearing on Customs and Border Protection Oversight June 25, 2020 Thank you for the opportunity to submit a statement for...
Letter | June 20, 2020
CBP Blocking “Migrant Protection Protocols” Fear Screenings
June 20, 2020 Dear Acting Secretary Wolf and Acting Commissioner Morgan: We write to express our urgent concern that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and Border Patrol agents are...
Factsheet | June 17, 2020
La orden emitida por los CDC utilizada ilegalmente para anular las leyes de asilo en la frontera se basan en afirmaciones falsas
El 20 de marzo de 2020, los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) emitieron una orden de COVID-19 muy criticada que eliminó efectivamente el asilo en la frontera sur de los...
Factsheet | June 17, 2020
CDC Relied on False Assertions in Issuing COVID-19 Order Being Used to Illegally Override U.S. Asylum Laws
On March 20, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a much-criticized COVID-19 order that has effectively eliminated asylum at the southern U.S. border. The Department of...
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Our Experts

Emilee Cutright

Program Analyst, Veterans for American Ideals
Related Campaigns & Topics
Refugee Protection

Rebecca Gendelman

Legal Fellow
Related Campaigns & Topics
Refugee Protection

Laura Salter

Laura Salter

Legal Services Coordinator
Related Campaigns & Topics
Refugee Protection

Eleanor-Acer-HRF-2006.jpg

Eleanor Acer

Senior Director, Refugee Protection
Related Campaigns & Topics
Immigration Detention, Refugee Protection, Syrian Refugees, Xenophobia

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Human Rights First is a premier institution devoted to the noblest of all causes.

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