Trump plans to block asylum to people from Central America, campaigners say
'Latest policy disgusting example of the lengths Trump administration will go to to deny people protection'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump is considering barring anyone who transits through a third country from seeking asylum at the border of the United States, Amnesty International have said.
This would mean anyone other than Mexicans and Canadians would effectively be prevented from seeking asylum in the country.
“This latest policy is a disgusting example of the lengths the Trump administration will go to to deny people protection,” Charanya Krishnaswami, Amnesty International USA’s advocacy director for the Americas, said, citing reports.
On Thursday, Politico reported that a draft proposal barring asylum to people from a third country was being circulated among the president's Homeland Security advisors.
“Seeking asylum is a human right, full stop. Instead of taking sensible steps to fix this crisis of their own making, [the Trump administration] choose to further their agenda of hate and fear.
“To effectively close the border to Central Americans and the vast majority of people seeking asylum not only violates human rights obligations, but is also fundamentally cruel," Ms Krishnaswami said.
Mr Trump has also announced he will place tariffs on all Mexican imports in a latest attempt to address a “border crisis” and crack down on illegal immigration.
“Mexico has taken advantage of the United States for decades,” Mr Trump tweeted on Friday. “[It] makes a fortune from the U.S., have for decades, they can easily fix this problem. Time for them to finally do what must be done,” he said.
Mr Trump’s comments follow an announcement that a 5 per cent tariff will come into effect from 10 June and gradually increase up to 25 per cent “until the illegal immigration problem is remedied,” the US President said.
The legislation may threaten the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade deal that is currently is in the process of being updated.
In February, Mr Trump declared the situation on the Southern border of the United States to be a national emergency, citing an “invasion” of drugs, gangs and people crossing into the country.
During his election campaign and time in office Mr Trump has sought funds to build a wall on the border, a campaign which has been popular with his supporters.
The announcement also comes amid growing calls for the president's impeachment, following FBI special counsel Robert Mueller's surprise statement on Wednesday in which he suggested only Justice Department policy prevented his team from charging a sitting president with a crime.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments