WASHINGTON — Immigration rights groups have sued the Trump administration over its decision to block asylum access at the U.S.-Mexico border. The lawsuit, led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argues that the policy is illegal and puts people fleeing war and persecution at risk.

The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Washington, states that the administration’s actions are both unprecedented and unlawful.

“The government is doing exactly what Congress has forbidden,” the complaint states. “It is sending asylum seekers—including families—back to dangerous countries without allowing them to request the protections guaranteed by U.S. law.”

The ACLU, along with the Florence Project (Arizona), Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center (Texas), and RAICES (Texas), is challenging the policy.

Trump’s Executive Order

Trump’s executive order declares the situation at the border an “invasion”, allowing him to suspend migrant entry until he determines the crisis is over. The order also shuts down the asylum process, meaning migrants can no longer request protection in the U.S.

This move builds on previous restrictions under the Biden administration, which had already made it harder for migrants who entered the U.S. between official border crossings to apply for asylum. However, Biden’s policy still allowed 1,450 people per day to schedule asylum appointments at official border crossings with Mexico—a program Trump immediately ended on his first day in office.

Advocates vs. Critics

Immigration advocates argue that requesting asylum is a legal right under U.S. immigration law. They say shutting down asylum access leaves vulnerable people in danger, especially those escaping war and persecution.

Critics, however, argue that most asylum seekers don’t qualify and that the system is overwhelmed, with cases taking years to process in immigration courts.