Legal Framework

1951 Refugee Convention — Article 31

Protects refugees from being penalized for irregular entry or presence when they are fleeing persecution, provided they present themselves promptly to authorities. Recognizes that refugees may have no choice but to enter a country without proper documentation.

Related incidents

1 incident

Suspension of Asylum at the Southern Border

The administration imposed an unprecedented total ban on asylum claims at the southern border, shutting down the CBP One app and eliminating all avenues for protection. A federal judge ruled the …

  • Executive order signed January 20, 2025 suspended all asylum processing at the southern border and shut down the CBP One scheduling app.
  • The order declared an 'invasion' at the southern border and invoked emergency powers to bypass statutory asylum protections.