HI HCR224

Urges the United States Department of Homeland Security to review and re-evaluate its policies on refugee and asylee protections, including the principle of non-refoulement (prohibition on returning persons to countries where they face persecution).

Expresses concern that current guidelines for determining persecution are vague with many exceptions, leading to inconsistent determinations and cases where asylum seekers with well-founded fears have been returned to face further persecution, injury, or death.

Notes that the United States signed the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and has a duty to protect persons who fled their country of origin out of fear.

Emphasizes Hawaii's commitment to equal treatment of all persons and universal human rights, calling for fair, equal, and compassionate treatment of refugees seeking asylum.

Requires certified copies be sent to the President, Secretary of Homeland Security, USCIS Associate Director for Refugee and Asylum Operations, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.