The US Will Honor An Obama-Era Refugee Deal Trump Once Called 'Dumb'
Vice President Mike Pence says the U.S. will honor the Obama-era promise to accept up to 1,250 refugees from Australia's detention centers.
LEARN MOREThe US Might Be Breaking International Refugee Rules It Helped Create
A human rights group alleges agents at the southern U.S. border are sending at-risk refugees back to their home countries.
The US Might Be Breaking International Refugee Rules It Helped Create
Getty Images
May 4, 2017
A human rights group is accusing the U.S. government of breaking its own laws.
Human Rights First claims customs agents are turning away asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border and refusing to process protection requests.
The U.S. has been a part of the United Nations refugee protocol since 1968.
The legislation's primary principle says a nation shouldn't send refugees back to their home country if they face serious threats to life or freedom.
But the group reports at least 125 cases of individuals and families under threat were turned away and denied asylum actions at official entry points.
The organization says it believes many more cases like this exist but are unreported.
Asylum-seekers trying to cross the southern border are largely from countries in Central America.
Conditions in countries like Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador — know as the Northern Triangle — have been described as a "humanitarian crisis." The countries consistently rank among the most violent in the world.
As for the solution? Human Rights First wants officials to abide by the law. The group emphasizes border agents should stop turning asylum-seekers away without counsel and processing protection requests.
4:19
Police search for a motive in Nashville shooting
Nashville police say the shooter legally purchased seven guns over a two-year period.
2:19
Private schools review safety protocols in wake of Nashville shooting
Suggested security protocols for schools include surveillance, double locks and active shooter training.
Experts warn almost 80% of youth get tax advice from social media
Data says a majority of young people get financial and tax advice from social media, but experts warn that we can't trust all of it.
Top Stories
2:49
Donald Trump's threats toward Black prosecutors spark violence worries
Former President Donald Trump has verbally attacked two district attorneys and an attorney general, all of whom are investigating him.
8:05
No Rescue: Why animal shelter euthanasia is rising
A Scripps News investigation finds euthanasia rates are climbing at cramped animal shelters nationwide.
Disney appears to strip DeSantis' Reedy Creek board of power
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' chosen board to oversee a Disney government could be facing a legal battle, as reports say Disney stripped it of power.
