U.S. To Deny Visas To Applicants Who Face Persecution In Their Home Country: Report

The Trump administration now requires that applicants for visas affirm that they do not fear persecution in their home countries, according to a new report.

CNN noted on Thursday that the new rule was communicated to all U.S. embassies this week.

“Consular officers must prevent abuse of the immigration system by visa applicants who misrepresent their purpose of travel, including those who attempt to obtain nonimmigrant visas for the purpose of claiming asylum upon arrival in the United States,” the communication stated, according to CNN.

People can seek asylum in the U.S. for fear of being persecuted because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or their political opinion. The Trump administration’s new rule is meant to prevent someone who arrives on a visa, such as a student or tourist, from later claiming asylum status.

A person can seek asylum status once they enter a country. If they are determined to be eligible, they are allowed to remain in the U.S., even as their application for asylum remains pending.

CNN noted elsewhere in the report that the communication tells State Department employees to ask nonimmigrant visa applicants: “Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?” and “Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality or permanent residence?”

According to the network, unless the applicant answers “no” to both questions, the visa will not be granted.

The Washington Post reported that the communication makes clear that the Trump administration believes the asylum process is being abused through the granting of visas: “As Secretary Rubio has repeatedly made clear, a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. Individuals who do not intend to comply with our laws, including leaving the United States before the end of their authorized period of stay, should not apply for a visa.”

Critics of the policy change say that it will cut off pathways for people who are desperate to escape difficult and dangerous situations.

“They’re trying to systematically demolish any means by which a persecuted person could seek protection and safety in the United States,” Jeremy Konyndyk, the president of Refugees International told The Washington Post.

Konyndyk told the newspaper that the policy appears to be that if a person fears being harmed, they should just stay in the country where the threat exists.

“You’re explicitly asking someone: ‘Are you being persecuted in your country?’ And if they say ‘yes,’ the U.S. government’s official answer is: ‘Okay, stay there,'” Konydyk told the outlet.