The United States has adopted a hardline policy regarding migrants, effectively ceasing to accept asylum applications from citizens of other countries who are outside US territory. This decision fundamentally changes the rules of the game for those hoping to find protection in America without crossing its borders.
"The Doors of America Are Completely Closed"
Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House, articulated a new doctrine regarding asylum seekers. According to him, applicants located outside the country will now be denied. Special emphasis is placed on the situation at the southwestern border, where, in the administration's view, the overwhelming majority of applications are fraudulent.
Miller stated that the US intends to direct such applicants to other countries. In his comment, he emphasized that most people seeking asylum at the border are either criminals or migrants seeking social benefits rather than protection from persecution.
Supreme Court Ruling: "The Guest Has Not Entered the House"
The statement by the high-ranking official came against the backdrop of a historic ruling by the US Supreme Court. The justices, by a majority vote (six to three), ruled that federal authorities are not obligated to consider asylum applications from foreigners who have arrived at a border crossing point with Mexico but have not yet crossed the US border.
The author of the ruling, Justice Samuel Alito, used a vivid metaphor to justify the court's position: "A guest is not considered to have entered the house when they have only knocked on the door." According to this logic, a person is recognized as having arrived in the States only after actually crossing the border. This means that the chance for political asylum arises only for those who are already inside the country.
Regional Context: The Situation in Europe
The tightening of migration policy in the US is taking place against the backdrop of similar trends in Europe. In Poland, Ukrainian citizens are increasingly being denied special refugee status (UKR), with it being replaced by a standard status (NUE). Officials argue that people are arriving in the country in search of work, not due to a direct threat to their lives.
At the same time, Moldova is observing the opposite process: authorities are planning to simplify the acquisition of citizenship for Ukrainians. Previously, this required physical presence on the territory of Ukraine, but new rules may change this approach.