View Rule

On December 23, 2020, DHS and the DOJ (collectively, the Departments) published a final rule entitled Security Bars and Processing to clarify that the danger to the security of the United States statutory bar to eligibility for asylum and withholding of removal encompasses certain emergency public health concerns and make certain other changes. As of December 28, 2022, the rule’s effective date was delayed until December 31, 2024. The Departments plan to propose modification or withdrawal of the December 23, 2020, rule.

Statement of Need:

The Departments are reviewing and reconsidering whether the Security Bars and Processing final rule is consistent with the goals of ensuring the safe and orderly reception and processing of asylum seekers consistent with public health and safety, with the additional context of the complex relationship between the Procedures for Asylum and Withholding of Removal; Credible Fear and Reasonable Fear Review final rule (RINs 1125-AA94 and 1615-AC42) and the Security Bars and Processing final rule. The Departments are reevaluating whether the Security Bars and Processing rule provides the most appropriate and effective framework for achieving its goals of mitigating the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19, among certain noncitizens in the credible fear screening process, as well as DHS personnel and the public. Based on such reconsideration, the Departments will propose to modify or withdraw the Security Bars rule.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

DHS is currently considering the specific cost and benefit impacts of the proposed provisions.