America must continue to be a nation that protects individuals fleeing violence and insecurity.

President Trump’s announcement yesterday to block asylum seekers who enter the country between ports of entry was a dangerous political stunt. Asylum is a vital lifeline for individuals fleeing dangerous circumstances in their home countries.

U.S. law is clear and unambiguous: it is legal to ask for asylum.

ere are 3 things to know about asylum:

• The United States has legal obligations to provide protection to those who qualify for asylum. For more facts on the asylum system, see our fact sheet: Asylum in the United States.
• Aggressive deterrence strategies do not work. For more information, see our Special Report: Understanding the Central American Refugee Crisis: Why They Are Fleeing and How U.S. Policies are Failing to Deter Them.
• Asylum seekers cannot be denied entry and that’s why we sued to hold the government accountable. For more information about our case, visit Al Otro Lado, Inc. v. Nielsen.