H.R. 871: Refugees Using Legal Entry Safely Act

This bill, titled the Refugees Using Legal Entry Safely Act (or RULES Act), proposes changes to the eligibility requirements for seeking asylum in the United States. The key points of the bill are as follows:

Modification of Asylum Eligibility

The bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, specifically section 208(a), which governs how individuals may apply for asylum. The bill makes several significant changes:

• Application at Ports of Entry:
• Prohibition on Parole or Release:
  • Once an individual applies for asylum at a port of entry, they cannot be paroled or released into the United States while their application is processed.
• Changes to Existing Paragraphs:
  • Some existing subparagraphs in the asylum eligibility criteria are removed or reworded significantly, which impacts how claims are evaluated.
  • For example, specific conditions that previously applied to certain groups are being eliminated, which could affect the scope of who can seek asylum.
• Effect of Apprehension:
  • The bill specifies that an individual apprehended within the United States, without proper inspection or who overstayed their authorized stay, cannot apply for asylum using the procedures outlined in this section.
• Involvement of Officials:
  • The bill updates references to government officials responsible for asylum determinations, emphasizing roles for the Secretary of Homeland Security alongside the Attorney General.

Overall Implications

Through these changes, the bill aims to create stricter guidelines for applying for asylum in the U.S. and limit the circumstances under which individuals may be allowed into the country while their asylum claims are pending. This may lead to a more organized process focused on entries through official points rather than unauthorized border crossings.

Relevant Companies

None found