Washington D.C., Aug 9, 2018 / 16:30 pm
Immigration activists have made a legal challenge to the government's criteria for migrants seeking asylum on Tuesday, saying that the grounds outlined were too narrow and should be expanded.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies filed suit on behalf of a dozen individuals who say they left their home countries after experiencing "horrific persecution," including the murder of family members. These people were denied asylum in the United States.
The lead plaintiff, identified only as "Grace," is a native of Guatemala who says she came to the United States after two decades of physical and sexual abuse by her husband. "Grace" faces the possibility of deportation back to Guatemala, where her lawyers say her life is at risk.
Previously, a person could claim fear of gang violence or domestic abuse as a reason why they should be granted asylum into the United States. In June, Attorney General Jeff Sessions released a new policy, stating that these factors "generally" do not constitute a suitable reason.