The United Nations Refugee Agency expressed concern about the Trump administration's new restrictions on asylum.
"UNHCR, the U.N. refugee agency, is deeply concerned about the new rule barring from asylum the majority of people crossing the southern U.S. land border," it said in a statement. "This will endanger vulnerable people in need of international protection from violence or persecution."
U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi noted: "We understand that the U.S. asylum system is under significant strain. And we are ready to play a constructive role if needed in helping alleviate this strain.
"This measure is severe and is not the best way forward."
The new rule, published in the Federal Register, says asylum seekers who pass through another country will not be eligible for asylum at the U.S. southern border. There are some exceptions, including if someone has been trafficked.
"UNHCR believes the rule excessively curtails the right to apply for asylum, jeopardizes the right to protection from refoulement, significantly raises the burden of proof on asylum seekers beyond the international legal standard, sharply curtails basic rights and freedoms of those who manage to meet it, and is not in line with international obligations," the statement added.
A copy of the UNHCR statement was also posted on journalist Sara Carter’s website.
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