EU lawmakers approve tougher asylum rules as anti-migration feeling grows

EU lawmakers approved changes to the European Union asylum system on Tuesday, paving the way for fast-track asylum rejections and the possible transfer of asylum seekers to countries with which they have little or no connection.



The move underlines the rise in anti-immigration sentiment across the European Union over the past decade that has broadened popular support for far-right parties.



The text, which requires final formal approval from the 27 EU member governments, marks a sharp hardening of EU migration policy that has taken shape since an influx of over a million refugees and migrants in 2015-16.



The move drew heavy criticism from humanitarian groups who said it could lead to human rights violations and a diminution of asylum rights under a 1951 convention that prohibits returns of asylum seekers to countries where they could be in danger.