Ep 2. Trump's Worst Policy: Killing Asylum

In season 5 episode 2 of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, titled "Trump's Worst Policy: Killing Asylum," the host delves into the Trump administration's controversial policy of restricting and limiting access to asylum in the United States. Minhaj examines the history of asylum law in the US, tracing it back to the aftermath of World War II and the creation of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which established the legal framework for providing protection to refugees and asylum seekers.

From there, Minhaj investigates how the Trump administration has systematically dismantled the asylum system over the past four years, implementing a series of strict new policies and executive orders that make it harder for individuals fleeing violence, persecution, and other forms of harm to seek protection in the US. The show explores the personal stories of those affected by these policies, including asylum seekers from Central America and elsewhere who have been detained, separated from their families, and denied access to due process and other basic legal protections.

Minhaj also examines the political motivations behind the Trump administration's efforts to restrict asylum, arguing that these policies are part of a broader strategy aimed at demonizing immigrants and refugees and appealing to the president's base of supporters. He shows how various right-wing media outlets have consistently promoted false and misleading narratives about asylum seekers, portraying them as criminals and terrorists who pose a threat to national security.

Throughout the episode, Minhaj brings his trademark blend of humor, insight, and empathy to bear on this complex and controversial topic, challenging viewers to think critically about the state of asylum law in the US and the broader political and social forces that are shaping it. He also proposes some possible solutions and reforms that could help restore the integrity of the asylum system and protect the basic rights and dignities of vulnerable populations around the world. Overall, "Trump's Worst Policy: Killing Asylum" is a timely and important contribution to the ongoing debates around immigration, human rights, and social justice in America and beyond.