Tennessee residents may have heard that President Donald Trump wanted to issue a ban on asylum applications from immigrants who cross the southern border illegally. However, as soon as an order was made to issue such a ban, a lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). A restraining order was issued on Nov. 19 by a judge who heard arguments in the case in San Francisco.
If the order is allowed to remain in place, it would be in effect for three months. According to the Department of Homeland Security, roughly 70,000 people cross the border between ports of entry. These individuals then surrender to American authorities prior to asking for asylum. Those who cross from Mexico usually arrive in Arizona or Texas. According to a representative from the Center for Constitutional Rights, the law is clear as it relates to a person’s right to ask for asylum after crossing through a port of entry.
According to Trump, recent caravans of migrants from Central America looking to enter the United States represent a threat to national security. At many border crossings, migrants are facing long wait times. However, DHS says that applications will only be processed if individuals present themselves at an official port of entry. The ACLU says that migrants should be eligible for asylum no matter where they enter.
There is no guarantee that an individual will be allowed to enter or remain in the United States after crossing the border. Someone who is curious about their immigration status may want to speak with an attorney. Legal counsel could provide insight into navigating the process of obtaining asylum or other legal statutes. Generally speaking, an immigrant has better odds of obtaining a favorable outcome in their cases by obtaining counsel.