Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned a decision by Attorney General Jeff Sessions that casts doubt on the right of asylum seekers to an evidentiary hearing before immigration judges. The organization notes that the move, announced in a s…
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Administration Urged to Provide Transparency on Use of Force, Civilian Casualties
Human Rights First, urged President Trump to use congressionally-mandated reporting requirements as an opportunity to provide much-needed transparency on the United States’[…]
Read moreThe Passing of Asma Jahangir
Tuesday, February 13, 2018 – 9:43amThe Passing of Asma JahangirElisa MassiminoNeil HicksHuman Rights First mourns the passing of the courageous, pioneering Pakistani lawyer and human rights defender, Asma Jahangir. We are proud of our long history of c…
Read moreSecure and Succeed Act Holds Dreamers Hostage, Punishes Asylum Seekers
Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today condemned introduction of the Secure and Succeed Act, calling the legislation a cruel attempt to punish asylum seekers and migrants through the use of prolonged detention and criminal prosecutions. The legislat…
Read moreElisa Massimino Reflects on the Life and Work of Todd Lang
Washington, D.C. –Human Rights First mourns the death of board of directors member Todd Lang, who passed away Tuesday. Human Rights First President and CEO Elisa Massimino issued the following statement:
Read moreHuman Rights First Tours New Jersey Immigration Detention Facilities
New York City—Following tours this week of three family immigration detention facilities in New Jersey, Human Rights First calls on the Trump Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the local governments to improve conditions and…
Read moreDOJ Report Omits Data, Undermines Federal Courts, and Demonizes Immigrants
Washington, D.C—Human Rights First today condemned a new Departments of Justice and Homeland Security report on terrorism related offenses and immigration, for its use of selective data to demonize immigrants and undermine federal terrorism courts. The…
Read moreThe Anti-Trafficking Trade Act Helps the U.S. to Fight Trafficking
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 – 9:40amThe Anti-Trafficking Trade Act Helps the U.S. to Fight TraffickingMeggie WeilerYesterday, Senators Menendez (D-NJ) and Portman (R- OH) introduced the Anti-Trafficking Trade Act, a bill to prevent countries failing to…
Read moreGoodlatte Bill Aims to Divide Families and Harm Refugees in Need of Protection
New York City—Human Rights First today urged Congress to reject the “Securing America’s Future Act” introduced today by Representatives Goodlatte, Labrador, McCaul, and McSally, which would hurt American families and punish refugees seeking U.S. protec…
Read moreHuman Rights First Urges Senate to Examine Judicial Nominee’s Views on Torture
Wednesday, January 10, 2018 – 10:29amHuman Rights First Urges Senate to Examine Judicial Nominee’s Views on Torture Patricia StottlemyerThis morning the Senate Judiciary Committee is considering whether to advance the nomination of Howard C. Nielson to…
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