Asylum seekers who return home would lose protected status under HR 8240

What does this do?

HR 8240 would automatically disqualify asylum applicants who return to their home country while their case is pending. People who already hold approved asylum status could have that status canceled and face deportation or loss of naturalized citizenship if they return. Two exceptions exist: a presidential certification for national security travel, or a Secretary of State certification that the country has undergone a genuine change in government.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects people currently applying for asylum and people who already hold asylum status in the United States. It would be enforced by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, and does not affect U.S.-born citizens or immigrants in other visa categories.

Why does it matter?

The bill's stated logic is that returning to a country someone claimed was dangerous raises doubt about whether the fear of persecution was genuine. Approved asylees who travel back could face deportation or, if naturalized, loss of citizenship.

Where does it stand?