The US Is Not a Safe Country – End Its Safe Country Status Now!

Why is this important?

1. Political Persecution and Legal Repression

In the United States, there have been systematic and legal measures taken to suppress political dissent and rights. For example, the reintroduction of the death penalty for certain offenses, particularly those affecting undocumented immigrants, has resulted in the criminalization of this group. These legal changes have severely impacted the lives of migrants, increasing the risk of arrests and harsh sentences. (Prism Reports)

2. Reversal of Marriage Equality

Despite the long-standing legality of same-sex marriage in the USA, recent judicial decisions and legislative actions have threatened the full recognition of these marriages. There have been instances where legally contracted same-sex marriages were not recognized by government institutions. (SF Chronicle)

3. Criminalization of Immigrants

The reintroduction of the death penalty, particularly for cases involving migrants without legal status, has exacerbated the criminalization of these populations. This impacts their living conditions and increases the risk of deportation, arrest, and harsh punishment. (Prism Reports)

4. Systematic Discrimination Against Minorities

Reports indicate systemic discrimination against Black, Latino, and other marginalized groups, which has contributed to increased violence and abuse by law enforcement. Concerns include racial profiling, police brutality, and biased treatment of non-white groups. (CBP.gov)

5. Voter Surveillance and Suppression

There are reports of surveillance and discrimination against voters, especially those of Hispanic origin. Several states have passed laws that disproportionately affect these communities, limiting their access to voting. One such law involves married women who may be disenfranchised due to name changes after marriage, as highlighted in an article by the San Antonio Express-News. (San Antonio Express-News)

6. Shift from Democracy to Autocracy

Recent developments in the United States have raised concerns about a potential shift from democratic governance to autocratic practices. Analysts point to actions such as unprecedented executive orders that alter the balance of power and undermine the separation of powers. For instance, President Donald Trump issued 46 executive orders within the first 30 days of his second term in January 2025, raising alarms about the centralization of power. This trend reflects a move towards authoritarian governance. The Economist Intelligence Unit downgraded the U.S. from a "full democracy" to a "flawed democracy" in its 2024 Democracy Index, citing political polarization, challenges to electoral integrity, and diminished public trust in democratic processes. Furthermore, the CIVICUS Monitor added the U.S. to its Watchlist in March 2025, signaling threats to civic freedoms under the Trump administration. (CIVICUS Monitor; Economist Intelligence Unit)

Moreover, Systemicpeace.org, a prominent research site on global political systems, has officially classified the U.S. as an "anocracy" due to its decreasing levels of political freedom and increasing centralization of power, signaling a clear trend toward autocracy. (Systemic Peace Index)

Conclusion

The issues outlined above demonstrate the complex challenges facing the United States, especially concerning the rights and protection of migrants, minorities, and political dissenters. The intersections between political persecution, legal repression, and discrimination create a dangerously hostile environment for these groups. It is therefore crucial that the European Union carefully reassess its classification of the United States as a safe country of origin. This reassessment should be based on a thorough analysis of the current political, legal, and social conditions in the U.S., particularly regarding how these developments affect vulnerable populations.

Call to Action

In light of the documented decline of democratic norms, the erosion of civil liberties, and the growing repression of marginalized communities in the United States, it is imperative that the European Union urgently re-evaluates the classification of the United States as a "safe country of origin." Continued designation under this status fails to reflect the current political and human rights realities on the ground.

The European Union is called upon to:

Initiate a formal review of the United States' democratic status and human rights record.

Suspend the designation of the U.S. as a safe country of origin until robust democratic safeguards and equal protections are reinstated.

Strengthen protections for asylum seekers, particularly those at risk due to political persecution, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or immigration status.

Failure to act risks complicity in the denial of fundamental rights and protections to those fleeing repression. The responsibility to uphold international human rights standards demands immediate and decisive action.