Asylum

A New Holiday In a New Country: Refugees Celebrate Their First Thanksgiving

Nov 24, 2020

Sofia and Julio both arrived with their families in the United States this year, and they're looking forward to their first taste of this quintessentially American holiday.

Senator Cardin Hopeful for Change on Immigration, Refugee Resettlement

Nov 13, 2020

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) told an audience of more than 350 on a HIAS-hosted post-election briefing call that he is confident the incoming Biden administration will set a new course, and restore refugee resettlement and repair America’s broken asylum system.

Congratulations to President-Elect Joe Biden

Nov 07, 2020

After a tense nationwide wait since Election Day, HIAS congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

Seeking Asylum, Saving a Baby

Nov 06, 2020

Lina and Hank, asylum seekers in Matamoros, Mexico, needed to go to the U.S. for their baby's birth which required surgery not available in Mexico.
Election Day stickers in Ohio

‘My Opinion Matters Now': Asylees and Refugees Celebrate Their First Votes in the U.S.

Nov 03, 2020

Voting for the first time is a momentous occasion for former asylum seekers like Ed Beetar and refugees like Mohamed Abdirahman, both of whom became citizens just this year.

The Sidewalk School: An Education for Those “Without”

Oct 22, 2020

At the Sidewalk School, the students are all asylum-seeking children living in or near an encampment in Matamoros, Mexico.
San Ysidro port of entry

An Asylum Victory Four Years In The Making

Oct 19, 2020

For one Salvadoran family, Aug. 13, 2020, marked the end of a four-year-long escape from deadly violence at home to safety in the United States. That’s when an immigration judge in Baltimore granted asylum to Juana*, which will allow her and her family to remain permanently in the United States.

“She was crying and she was thankful and they were happy,” remembered Andres Meraz, the HIAS attorney who represented Juana. “They knew what it meant.”

Presidential Intent, But No Declaration: What Now for U.S. Refugee Admissions?

Oct 08, 2020

The announcement of the new unofficial refugee admissions cap of 15,000 brought up many questions that have still not been answered.

Attorney General's Decision Makes Matters Worse for Asylum Seekers

Oct 05, 2020

A policy from the U.S. Attorney General makes it harder for asylum seekers to win their cases.

Casting Off Sins at an ICE Detention Center

Oct 01, 2020

Protesting human rights abuses at the Irwin Detention Center in Ocilla, Georgia.

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