It would effectively deny asylum to thousands of vulnerable individuals and would send many back to places where they face persecution and death.

The government contends that its goal is to facilitate orderly processing of asylum seekers. In fact, the policy is one of several that are collectively designed to make asylum nearly impossible to obtain.

For some time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has had a clear practice and policy of turning back individuals who attempt to seek asylum at ports of entry, and the SPLC is already challenging that unlawful conduct in court. We also intend to challenge this newly announced policy.

The government’s blatant disregard for the rights of asylum seekers cannot stand.

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