FIRST Freedom Act

The FIRST Freedom Act would eliminate the current one-year deadline for individuals to apply for asylum in the United States, allowing those fleeing persecution more time to file their claims and providing a window to reopen previously denied cases. The bill also expands federal law to allow for the criminal prosecution of individuals who commit religious persecution against U.S. citizens while abroad and bars any person—including non-state actors—from entering the country if they have committed severe violations of religious freedom. Additionally, it authorizes the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom to investigate the impact of interview delays and the conduct of immigration officers.