For many years, the granting of political asylum has been a fundamental aspect of the narrative that the United States has crafted about itself. As a prominent Western democracy and a nation built by immigrants, America has long embraced the belief that it has a moral obligation to provide refuge to those escaping persecution in their home countries. However, as we approach the 2024 presidential election, there is a growing consensus among immigration lawyers, scholars, and former federal officials that this era of asylum as Americans have known it may be coming to a close.

The two leading candidates for the presidency, former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, present vastly different visions for immigration policy. Yet, both candidates are signaling a commitment to implement significant restrictions on the asylum process. This shift reflects a broader response to the increasing unease among Americans regarding the influx of migrants entering the country.

The implications of this potential overhaul are profound, particularly for individuals who have historically viewed the United States as a sanctuary from violence and political oppression. In the previous year alone, over 169,000 individuals sought asylum at the U.S. southern border, facing dire conditions such as overcrowded camps and precarious boat journeys. As other Western democracies also tighten their borders and authoritarian regimes gain momentum, the situation for asylum seekers becomes increasingly precarious.

Donald Trump, during his time in office, significantly slashed the number of refugees and asylum seekers permitted entry into the United States. If he regains the presidency, he has pledged to implement even more severe measures to restrict both legal and illegal immigration.

On the other hand, Kamala Harris has expressed her intention to uphold executive actions instituted by President Biden, which further limit the pathways for individuals seeking asylum at the southern border. These measures illustrate a significant departure from the long-standing Democratic commitment to providing asylum—a shift that would have been unimaginable for the party not long ago.

As the election approaches, the future of the asylum system in the United States hangs in the balance, reflecting a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.