Policy Analysis and Recommendations
The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) is a leading voice in the movement to rebuild the U.S. asylum system and expand access to protection for women, children, LGBTQ+ people, and others seeking refuge. Our Policy & Advocacy team serves as a critical resource on asylum to policymakers, journalists, and the public. We provide rapid analysis of policy developments and offer practical recommendations for decision-makers at all levels of government, advising our leaders on how to ensure the United States lives up to its legal and moral commitments to people fleeing persecution.
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Comment on DHS Interim Final Rule, "Mandatory Electronic Filing (e-Filing)"
Executive Branch Comment
October 9, 2026
CGRS submitted a public comment opposing the Department of Homeland Security's rule that allows it to mandate the electronic filing of immigration benefit requests, including asylum applications.
Comment on DHS Interim Final Rule, "Affirmative Asylum Referrals Without Interview"
Executive Branch Comment
September 28, 2026
CGRS submitted a public comment opposing the Department of Homeland Security's rule that attempts to end the right to an affirmative asylum interview.
CGRS Explainer: U.T. v. Blanche: An Explainer for Advocates on Class Certification in the Challenge to Asylum Cooperative Agreements
Commentary
September 25, 2026
This CGRS explainer provides an overview to U.T. v. Blanche, the lawsuit challenging the Asylum Cooperative Agreements, and recent developments.
CGRS 2025-2026 Webinar Directory
Video
September 16, 2026
This document lists all of the recorded webinars presented by CGRS staff attorneys since February 2025 that are accessible to all registered CGRS TA users at any time through our online TA library.
CGRS Input for UNHCR Handbook on Refugee Law (Volume 1)
Human Rights Body Submission
September 15, 2026
CGRS submission for UNHCR’s updated Handbook on the criteria for refugee status, analyzing U.S. divergences from international standards including particular social group, nexus, bars, as well as emerging forms of climate-related displacement.
Information Production from Honduran Government: ACA Transfers to Honduras
FOIA Request
September 9, 2026
This document contains two memoranda from the Honduran government regarding asylum seekers transferred to Honduras under the Asylum Cooperative Agreement, provided in response to an information request submitted by CGRS in August 2026.
Country Conditions Research Checklist
Factsheet
August 26, 2026
This is a resource meant for medical and mental health experts as a starting point on doing research.
CGRS & NIPNLG Practice Advisory: Understanding and Responding to Pretermission of Asylum Applications
Report
July 21, 2026
This practice advisory co-authored by CGRS and NIPNLG provides an overview of motions to pretermit in immigration court, including updates on how the motions are being treated and recommendations for practitioners to advocate for their clients' right to due process.