U.S. policies on asylum and refugee resettlement
Indicators, statistics, focusing events
The United States’ asylum and refugee resettlement policies have changed over time and have been impacted by various elements, including domestic politics, world events, and humanitarian concerns. Domestic law and international commitments both govern the United States asylum policy, according to Hatton (2020). Asylum and refugee resettlement trends are monitored and analyzed using a variety of indicators, such as the number of asylum applications, the number of people who are granted it, admissions to refugee resettlement programs, and the countries of origin of those who seek asylum and those who are refugees (Kerwin, 2018). Statistics on asylum and refugee resettlement in the US can change yearly. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) estimates that 69,552 people requested asylum in the United States for the fiscal year 2020. It is crucial to remember that these figures might vary due to policy shifts, international conflicts, and other variables (Hashimoto, 2018). Focusing events are particular occurrences or crises that bring attention to a certain problem and may influence policy changes or changes in public opinion. Focusing events might be significant influxes of asylum seekers, humanitarian crises, or high-profile instances that attract media attention and public interest in the context of asylum and refugee resettlement.
Causes and Consequences and the Relevant Policies
The reasons and effects of U.S. policies on asylum and refugee resettlement have been hotly debated over time, and these policies have undergone several modifications. Persecution, violence, or human rights violations in their native countries are among the causes that people apply for asylum in the United States (Hatton, 2020). American asylum policies impact the wider immigration system and asylum seekers alike. If laws are too strict, it may be easier for individuals who need protection to get it, and if they are too lax, it may be challenging to process asylum requests and put a drain on resources. The “Remain in Mexico” policy, sometimes known as the MPP, was implemented in 2019 and compelled asylum applicants at the U.S.-Mexico border to wait in Mexico while their claims were adjudicated in American courts. Nevertheless, this policy was abandoned in 2021, as Hashimoto (2018) explains. Moreover, Execpresidents may issue executive orders direct asylum and refugee policies. These directives may cover various topics, including processing, screening methods, and admission quotas.
Issue transition
There are various reasons why U.S. policy on asylum and refugee resettlement has changed from being seen as a private concern to a societal issue or a topic on the public agenda. U.S. policies on asylum and refugee resettlement have moved from a private matter to a social problem and a matter of public importance due to a mix of humanitarian concerns, media prominence, grassroots action, legal and regulatory reforms, and public sentiment.
Key Operative Values and Ideologies
Recognizing that public opinion and policy can change over time and between administrations is significant. According to Kerwin (2018), Asylum and refugee resettlement concerns in the United States are framed and perceived by the general public partly because of the operative values and ideologies stated above. DepeManykeholders and interest groups frame these issues. Depending on their priorities and values, it is essential to remember that public perception and framing can be highly divisive, with various storylines vying for support and attention. Public opinion on these complex problems can be influenced by media coverage, political rhetoric, and personal experiences.
References
Hashimoto, N. (2018). Refugee resettlement as an alternative to asylum. Refugee Survey Quarterly, 37(2), 162-186. https://doi.org/10.1093/rsq/hdy004
Hatton, T. J. (2020). Asylum migration to the developed world: Persecution, incentives, and policy. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 34(1), 75-93. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.34.1.75
Kerwin, D. (2018). The US refugee resettlement program—A return to first principles: How refugees help to define, strengthen, and revitalize the United States. Journal on Migration and Human Security, 6(3), 205–225. https://doi.org/10.1177/2331502418787787
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