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Latest News and Press Releases

August 02, 2019
Court Strikes Down Trump Administration Policy Barring Refugees from Asylum
Washington, D.C.— The federal District Court for the District of Columbia today ruled in O.A. v. Trump that the Trump Administration cannot bar refugees from asylum for crossing between ports of...
August 01, 2019
Sweeping Guatemala Agreement Illegal and Inhumane
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan is in Guatemala this week to work out key terms that are pivotal to implementing the agreement the two countries entered into...
August 01, 2019
Graham Secure and Protect Act Would Neither Provide Security nor Protect the Vulnerable
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the Senate Judiciary Committee’s move to vote out of committee the Secure and Protect Act of 2019, a bill that seeks to codify...
July 26, 2019
Active-Duty Troops Inside Detention Facilities Harms the United States
Washington, D.C.—In response to reports that active-duty U.S. troops are now stationed inside Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) facilities at the U.S. southern border, Human Rights First's Bishop...
July 24, 2019
Court Fails to Temporarily Block Administration’s Asylum Ban
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today expressed disappointment with the the United States District Court for the District of Columbia’s decision not to temporarily block the Trump Administration’...
July 22, 2019
Diverse Coalition Calls for Disbanding State Department Commission on Unalienable Rights
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today, in partnership with nearly 180 human rights, faith-based, civil liberties, professional, academic, and social justice organizations,...
July 22, 2019
Expanding Deportation Powers for ICE and CBP Officers will Lead to Chaos, Dysfunction
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned the Trump Administration’s plan to immediately expand the use of expedited removal to allow Immigration and Customs...

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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 | March 17, 2020
COVID-19 and Immigration Detention
March 17, 2020 Dear Governor: As you address the public health challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we (Physicians for Human Rights, Human Rights First and Amnesty...
Factsheet | March 10, 2020
Disinformation and Spin: Trump Administration Deploys Troops to Border, Paints Asylum Seekers and Attorneys as Threat
On March 6, 2020, as the Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to freeze a February 28 ruling halting its forced return of asylum seekers to Mexico, government officials announced the...
Letter | March 06, 2020
Asylum Seekers in Remain in Mexico / “Migrant Protection Protocols” Policy
March 6, 2020 Dear Acting Secretary Wolf: Our 153 legal representation, refugee assistance, faith-based, human rights, and community groups write to urge your agency to end the “...
Letter | January 29, 2020
Human Rights First Statement for House Judiciary Hearing: Courts in Crisis
Statement for the Record House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship Courts in Crisis: The State of Judicial Independence and Due Process in...
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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.

” — Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
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