Attorney General Limits Asylum for Women

Attorney General Pam Bondi is limiting asylum for victims of domestic violence.  See Shepelsky Law Group’s summary of two important rulings issued this week:

“In Matter of S-S-F-M-, Bondi brought back the notorious 2018 Matter of A-B- decision, which instructed immigration judges to `generally’ deny asylum to women escaping domestic violence. In Matter of R-E-R-M- & J-D-R-M-, she revived the 2019 Matter of L-E-A- ruling, which undercut the ability of families and children fleeing targeted violence to seek refuge. Together, these rulings all but close the door on women and families in desperate need of safety.”

The Center for Gender and Refugee Studies criticized the rulings.

“This is a brazen power grab by Trump’s Justice Department – an attempt to rewrite our laws to deny protection to women and families escaping deadly violence,” said Professor Karen Musalo, Director of the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS). “Bondi’s decision in S-S-F-M- attempts to turn back the clock on decades of hard-fought progress to recognize domestic and other forms of gendered violence as violations of women’s human rights. Her ruling in R-E-R-M- & J-D-R-M- is a calculated strategy to end asylum for families who deserve protection. Notwithstanding these attempts, judges are required to consider each case on its individual merits, and many women and families should still qualify for asylum. However, we know that Bondi’s decisions will cause confusion and provide a justification to judges who are inclined to reject asylum claims without fair consideration. In cases with life-or-death stakes, this will mean women and families being deported to countries where they face grave risks. CGRS represented Ms. A.B. in her landmark case and served as amicus in Matter of L-E-A-. We will continue to fight for a fair and just interpretation of our refugee law, in compliance with our international legal obligations, and will see the administration back in court.”

KJ