RULES Act

This bill would tighten how people can seek asylum in the United States. It would require asylum seekers to arrive and apply only at an official U.S. port of entry. While their case is pending, they could not be paroled or released into the country. People caught inside the U.S. without legal status would be ineligible to seek asylum at all. If someone is denied asylum, they would not be allowed to apply again later. Today, reapplying can be possible in changed or extraordinary situations; this bill would end that option. These changes are written into the asylum section of the Immigration and Nationality Act, including a new rule that applications may be made only at ports of entry and a ban on parole or release during processing, plus ineligibility for those apprehended after entering without inspection or overstaying.

Key points

• Who is affected: Non-U.S. nationals seeking asylum.
• What changes: Apply only at ports of entry; no parole or release while cases are pending; no asylum for those caught inside the U.S. without status; no second chances after a denial.
• Day-to-day impact: More people would have to present themselves at official crossings to seek protection, and those denied would not be able to try again later.