For more than three years, the U.S. government has been applying provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 and the REAL ID Act of 2005—both intended as counter-terrorism tools—to refugees and asylum seekers who in some cases are themselves victims of terrorism. As a result, hundreds of asylum seekers and thousands of adjustment of status applicants have had their applications placed “on hold” as the Administration has worked to establish procedures for implementing these provisions. In recent months, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun to adjudicate some of these cases and has authorized the admission of some individuals, while others remain on hold until additional procedures are established. Because of statutory limits, some individuals who have been caught in the overly broad net of the current terrorism definitions cannot be admitted to the U.S. absent an amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Click here to read HIAS’ 2007 policy paper on material support.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

HIAS Statements and Press Releases

• HIAS: Do Not Deny Refuge to Victims of
  Terrorism, March 9, 2007.

 Community Statements and Sign-On Letters

• Jewish Community sign-on letter to President Bush on material support issue, July 21, 2006.

Additional Resources

• Refugee Council USA - Material Support issue page