Dear Friend,

On June 15, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security jointly released a series of proposed changes to the U.S. asylum system that, if implemented, will deprive the vast majority of children of their right to seek asylum. The proposed changes include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Excluding from asylum eligibility those who suffer persecution because of their gender or LGBTQ status
• Denying asylum to children who traveled through other countries on their way to the United States
• Denying children the right to asylum if they are fleeing gang violence or recruitment

The proposed rule would result in far-reaching denials of asylum for both children and adults, but we have a chance to speak out. From now until Wednesday, July 15, the public can oppose these proposed changes by submitting a comment. Here is more information and a template for you to submit your own comment voicing your concerns about these changes.