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Policy Analysis and Recommendations

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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.

Asylum Claims for Individuals Fleeing Climate Change or Environmental Disasters: Making the Best Use of Existing Legal Frameworks

Factsheet
Jul 23, 2024

This document summarizes CGRS's practice advisories, "Analyzing Asylum Claims for Individuals Fleeing Climate Change or Environmental Disasters" and "Investigating Climate-Related Aspects of Fear-of-Return Claims." The first advisory explains how displaced individuals can seek protection under U.

Recommendations to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for the Cartagena +40 Process: The Need to Address Climate-Related Displacement

Human Rights Body Submission
Jul 15, 2024

CGRS and our partners provided policy recommendations to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights as part of the Cartagena +40 process, focusing on the response to displacement caused or exacerbated by climate change and disasters.

CGRS Comment in Response to DHS and DOJ Request for Comments: Securing the Border, 89 FR 48710 and Presidential Proclamation, 89 FR 48487

Executive Branch Comment
Jul 03, 2024

We submitted our analysis of the government's interim final rule that essentially closes off asylum during "emergency border circumstances." Our comment urges the government to withdraw the rule in its entirety.

Submission to the UN Human Rights Commissioner on Racism Against Haitians and Other Black Migrants

Human Rights Body Submission
Jun 21, 2024

CGRS submitted input to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on xenophobia and racism Haitian and other Black asylum seekers face across several countries. The input contributes to the follow-up on implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Submission to The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on the Public Consultation Questionnaire on Freedom of Expression and Unprotected Speech

Human Rights Body Submission
Jun 14, 2024

CGRS submitted input to the IACHR Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression in response for a call for input on Freedom of Expression and Unprotected Speech. This submission focuses on the best practices to prevent stigmatizing and hate speech against migrants.

CGRS Comment in Response to DHS Request for Comments: Application of Certain Mandatory Bars in Fear Screenings, 89 Fed. Reg. 41347

Executive Branch Comment
Jun 12, 2024

We submitted our analysis of the government's proposed rule permitting asylum officers to consider the applicability of statutory bars during initial fear screenings. Our comment urges the government to withdraw the rule in its entirety.