US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB1312

Introduced
2/13/25  

Caption

No Asylum for Criminals Act of 2025

Impact

The implications of HB1312 are considerable, as it alters existing criteria for asylum eligibility by instituting a blanket disqualification for individuals with any criminal conviction. This alteration is likely to reduce the number of asylum seekers who can successfully claim refuge in the U.S., as many may have minor convictions that would otherwise have no bearing on their eligibility. Furthermore, by allowing the Secretary of Homeland Security to define what constitutes a political offense, the bill provides significant discretionary power to federal authorities, which may lead to inconsistencies in application and potential overreach in limiting asylum rights.

Summary

House Bill 1312, also known as the 'No Asylum for Criminals Act of 2025', seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by establishing that any alien who has been convicted of a crime, whether a felony or a misdemeanor, shall be ineligible for asylum in the United States. This legislative effort reflects a significant shift in how asylum claims are evaluated, particularly concerning the criminal backgrounds of applicants. The proposed changes entail that only individuals who have been convicted of a crime could fall under this disqualification, though there is an exception for certain political offenses committed outside the U.S., as designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB1312 is expected to be contentious, as it raises questions about fairness and human rights. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to ensure that those seeking asylum do not have criminal backgrounds that could pose a threat to public safety. However, opponents are likely to oppose this measure on grounds that it unfairly penalizes individuals who may already be fleeing dangerous situations, thus compromising the foundational principles of asylum. There are concerns that this bill would disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including those from countries with unstable political climates, where civil disobedience may lead to criminal charges.

Congress_id

119-HR-1312

Policy_area

Immigration

Introduced_date

2025-02-13

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB3488

Asylum Reform and Loophole Closure Act

US HB8240

SAFER Act of 2026 Stopping Asylum Fraudsters Enforcement and Removal Act of 2026

US HB116

Stopping Border Surges Act This bill modifies immigration law provisions relating to unaccompanied alien minors and to asylum seekers.The bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to repatriate certain unaccompanied, inadmissible alien children, generally those not at risk of being trafficking victims nor having a fear of persecution. Currently, only inadmissible unaccompanied aliens from neighboring countries are subject to repatriation, and DHS has discretion whether to repatriate.When the Department of Health and Human Services releases an unaccompanied child to an individual, it shall provide DHS with certain information about that individual, including Social Security number and immigration status.The bill requires a stricter standard to find a credible fear of persecution and imposes additional rules on credible fear interviews.If an alien is granted asylum because of fear of persecution in a country, the alien shall be deemed to have renounced asylum status by returning to that country, if there has been no change in the country's conditions.The bill also (1) expands the definition of what constitutes a frivolous asylum application, (2) imposes additional limitations on eligibility for asylum, (3) shortens the deadline for applying for asylum, and (4) extends the time period an alien seeking asylum must wait before receiving employment authorization.Any individual who knowingly and willfully makes materially false statements or uses fraudulent documents in asylum-related proceedings shall be fined or imprisoned up to 10 years, or both.

US HB35

Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety ActThis bill establishes new federal criminal offenses for operating a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border while fleeing from a U.S. Border Patrol agent or a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer who is actively assisting or under the command of the U.S. Border Patrol.The bill establishes criminal penalties for an offense, including a mandatory minimum prison term for an offense resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Additionally, a non-U.S. national who is convicted of or admits to committing an offense is inadmissible, deportable, and ineligible for immigration relief (including asylum).

US SB512

Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety ActThis bill establishes new federal criminal offenses for operating a motor vehicle within 100 miles of the U.S. border while fleeing from a U.S. Border Patrol agent or a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer who is actively assisting or under the command of the U.S. Border Patrol.The bill establishes criminal penalties for an offense, including a mandatory minimum prison term for an offense resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Additionally, a non-U.S. national who is convicted of or admits to committing an offense is inadmissible, deportable, and ineligible for immigration relief (including asylum).

US HB175

Deport Alien Gang Members ActThis bill makes non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) associated with criminal gangs inadmissible for entry into the United States and deportable. The bill also establishes procedures to designate groups as criminal gangs.An individual shall be inadmissible if certain officers or agencies know or have reason to believe that the individual is or was a criminal gang member or has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities. An individual who is or was a member of such a gang, has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities, or seeks to enter or has entered the United States in furtherance of such activity shall be deportable.Such individuals must be subject to mandatory detention. Furthermore, such individuals shall not be eligible for (1) asylum; (2) temporary protected status; (3) special immigrant juvenile visas; or (4) parole, unless they are assisting the government in a law enforcement matter.The bill defines a criminal gang as a group of five or more persons (1) where one of its primary purposes is committing specified criminal offenses and its members have engaged in a continuing series of such offenses within the past five years, or (2) that has been designated as a criminal gang by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).The bill also establishes procedures for DHS to designate a group as a criminal gang, including notifying Congress, publishing a notice in the Federal Register, and providing an opportunity for the group to petition for review of the designation.

US HB2607

AFRIKANER Act Asylum for Farmers and Refugees In Krsis And Necessary Emigration Resettlement Act

US SB2001

No Visas for Violent Criminals Act

US HB302

Workforce; regulating staffing and hiring of aliens with temporary or asylum status in the state

US HB57

Ending Catch and Release Act of 2025

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.