This week, Attorney General Pam Bondi reinstated harsh, regressive rulings from the first Trump administration, reviving legal barriers amid US asylum law changes that strip away protections for women and families fleeing violence. These asylum policy updates severely impact who is eligible for asylum in the US, especially survivors of domestic abuse and families targeted for persecution.
Key Rulings That Affect Who Is Eligible for Asylum in the US
In Matter of S-S-F-M-, Bondi brought back the notorious 2018 Matter of A-B- decision. This instructed immigration judges to “generally” deny asylum to women escaping domestic violence. In Matter of R-E-R-M- & J-D-R-M-, she revived the 2019 Matter of L-E-A- ruling. That undercut the ability of families and children fleeing targeted violence to seek refuge. Together, these rulings all but close the door on women and families in desperate need of safety.
Legal Experts Condemn These Changes to US Asylum Law
Professor Karen Musalo, Director of the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS), condemned the rulings as a brazen attempt by Trump’s Justice Department to rewrite asylum law:
“Bondi’s decisions attempt to turn back the clock on decades of progress recognizing domestic and gender-based violence as human rights violations. These rulings will cause confusion and embolden judges who are inclined to deny protection, even when women and families face life-or-death risks.”
What These Asylum Law Changes Mean for Women and Families
For women:
By labeling domestic and gender-based violence as “private conduct,” the DOJ is erasing hard-fought recognition of these abuses as grounds for asylum. This opens the door to denying protection not only to women, but also to LGBTQ+ refugees and children fleeing abuse.
For families:
By rejecting family membership as a “particular social group,” the DOJ seeks to strip away one of the few legal pathways available to families persecuted because of their family ties.
If you or a loved one missed the one-year asylum deadline, you may still qualify under certain exceptions. Learn more about filing for asylum late.
Why These US Asylum Law Changes Matter
These rulings defy decades of legal precedent, international obligations, and humanitarian standards. Under the first Trump administration, both Matter of A-B- and Matter of L-E-A- were widely condemned by lawmakers, the UN Refugee Agency, former immigration judges, and human rights organizations. Bondi’s revival of these cases signals a renewed assault on America’s promise of asylum.
At Shepelsky Law Group, we know what’s at stake. These decisions will lead to wrongful deportations of women, children, and families. They could end up back in the hands of abusers, gangs, and persecutors. But asylum law is still on the side of justice. Judges must review each case on its merits. Many claims will remain viable despite these rulings.
Our Commitment to Asylum Seekers and Families
We will continue fighting for immigrant women, families, and children. We will challenge these unjust rulings in court. Our team builds strong asylum cases rooted in precedent and human rights. Our goal is for our clients’ voices grow louder.
📞 If you or your loved ones are seeking asylum, call Shepelsky Law Group today. Your safety matters, and we are here to stand with you.