US new asylum restrictions worry UNHCR

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has expressed profound concerned about the new asylum measures announced by the United States.

The measures according to the UNHCR impose harsh restrictions on the right to seek asylum in the country.

“The new measures will deny access to asylum for many individuals who are in need of international protection, and who may now find themselves without a viable option for seeking safety and even at risk of refoulement,” the agency said in a statement.

It noted that any person who claims to have a well-founded fear of being persecuted in their country of origin must have access to safe territory and have this claim assessed before being subject to deportation or removal.

UNHCR, it added, recognizes that the United States is facing challenges in dealing with the significant number of people arriving at its border. “The United States has a long history of welcoming refugees and continues to do so through various pathways, including resettlement and private sponsorship, as well as the processing of asylum claims. We remain committed to supporting the United States in much-needed broader reform efforts, including to improve the fairness, quality, and efficiency of its border management and asylum systems.

“We call on the United States to uphold its international obligations and urge the government to reconsider restrictions that undermine the fundamental right to seek asylum.”