HI HR178

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

Identifies current guidelines for determining persecution victims as vague and containing numerous exceptions that create inconsistent determinations by immigration officials.

Documents that asylum seekers with well-founded fears have been returned to their countries of origin and subsequently suffered severe injury or death.

Asserts that Hawaii values equal treatment of all persons and recognizes universal human rights by birth, supporting stronger protections for refugees and asylees.

Directs certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the President, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS leadership, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.